If you do not give your full name and affiliation, it may not be posted. The Florida Department of Agriculture has informed the Department of Health that tests indicate mice sampled in the Orange County area may have leptospirosis. Further testing is being conducted to clarify what type of leptospirosis is present, and to identify if this bacteria could make people ill. Out of concern for the citizens of Central Florida, Governor Bush has requested that Department of Health Secretary Robert G. Brooks, M.D. travel to Orlando to personally assess the situation. An average of one person is reported with leptospirosis each year in Florida.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease and is more commonly associated with animals in tropical areas.
People become infected through direct contact with water or moist soil contaminated with urine from infected animals. Most had a history of working with animals such as dogs, rats, or cattle. No human cases of leptospirosis have been reported this year in Florida. The Orange County Health Department is working with health care providers to enhance detection of any human cases that might occur. Health care providers are asked to report suspect cases to their county health department.