Wilson warns of rodent-borne bacterial infection
A rise in cases of a potentially severe bacterial infection transmitted by animals has been highlighted by Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health.
MPs heard yesterday in the House of Assembly that the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit had recorded three cases of leptospirosis in humans in Bermuda this year, compared with only one in the previous ten years, recorded in 2023.
Early symptoms of leptospirosis, which can be transmitted to humans through rodents, pets and farm animals, often resemble the flu and can include eye redness, rashes and yellowing of the skin.
Severe untreated infections could lead to liver and kidney failure, as well as brain, lung and heart complications. In rare cases, it can be fatal.
Ms Wilson explained: “The spread of bacteria occurs through contact with water, soil or food that has been contaminated by the urine of an infected animal.
“In environments where there is heavy rainfall, floods or poor sanitation, the risk of spread of the leptospira bacteria increases.”
She added that no link has been found between the three confirmed cases in Bermuda — who have all received appropriate medical care — and their exposure to the infection.
Ms Wilson believed some of the challenges resulted from trash not being properly secured, or not being put out on designated days.
Ms Wilson said: “We are encouraging the public to take their own responsibilities so that we can arrest this particular bacterial disease.”
Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, encouraged people to do the following to prevent themselves and their pets from contracting leptospirosis:
Wear protective gear when gardening or working outdoors or with animals
Avoid walking in water that may have been contaminated with animal urine (especially after heavy rain or floods)
Remove all standing water and debris from outdoor spaces that could serve as breeding grounds for rodents
Cover food and drink
Thoroughly wash hands and clean cuts after making contact with soil or animals
Keep trash tried up tightly and in bins with lids
Get pets vaccinated
Only take out garbage on designated collection days
Promptly seek medical attention if symptoms develop after being possibly exposed to contaminated water or soil or an infected animal
She said the ESU had recognised the links between human, animal and environmental health, and was “working in close collaboration with the environmental health, vector control and laboratory teams to conduct environmental health assessments, intensify rodent control measures and diagnostic testing”.
The campaign involves intensifying baiting and traps in “hotspot areas” such as gardens, drains and city parks and working with the Caribbean Public Health Agency.
Ms Wilson said the ministry would continue to educate the community about safe waste management, communicate with veterinarians and healthcare providers and raise awareness about preventive practices.
Linda Smith, the Shadow Minister of Public Works and Environment, asked if the Government considered increasing garbage collection to twice a week to control the rodent population.
Ms Wilson responded that the Department of Health “has not confirmed any direct link to between the trash collection schedule and any increase in leptospirosis cases in Bermuda”.
She assured the public that the ESU was well equipped to monitor “certain types of bacterial diseases and public health matters that come within our community”.
She explained: “They, under the auspices of the Chief Medical Officer, have tackled this, they are starting further educational campaigns that will be launched on Facebook today, and they are perfectly seized to address a particular matter that, again, happened once in 2023 and three times in 2025.”
Those with rodents on their properties should contact 278-5333 or e-mail envhealth@gov.bm for assistance.
• To see Ms Wilson’s statement in full, see Related Media
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