After being attacked by an infected rat, a man in his forties died of leptospirosis. How can you protect yourself from this disease? Dr. Gérald Kierzek shares his best advice.
In August 2024, a resident of the Presles district of Soissons (Aisne) died from leptospirosis after being bitten by a rat. Although this disease is only fatal in 5 to 20% of cases, the forty-year-old waited too long to consult a doctor.
Man attacked by rat
It was in a neighborhood overrun with rats, in Soissons, in the Aisne, that the man was attacked. According to L'Union , he was bitten by the rodent while kicking it.
" He was a friend of mine. His death scares me," confides Kelly Thobe, a resident of the neighborhood, used to seeing rats everywhere around her building. " Often in the hall, on the ground floor. They are no longer afraid of humans. Once my neighbor tried to get rid of one with a broom, he went into the cellars. It's getting worse and worse."
Although the incident could have ended there, the forty-year-old " delayed showing his injury to a doctor ". A delay which allowed the bacteria to spread.
A local doctor, consulted a few days later, decided to refer the injured man to the emergency room in Soissons. Unfortunately, the medical staff could do nothing: the man died shortly afterwards from his infection (" rat disease ", also called leptospirosis).
An exceptional case, confirmed by the Regional Health Agency (ARS).
" The deceased Soissons resident was an isolated patient (with no other cases identified nearby)," she said.
Leptospirosis, a disease caused by bacteria
There are several symptoms that can help you recognize the infection.
After the incubation period of four to ten days, the disease manifests itself in the majority of cases with symptoms resembling the flu.
" The disease begins with a high fever with chills, headaches, muscle pain and diffuse joint pain. It can also progress to renal, hepatic, meningeal or pulmonary damage," indicates the Pasteur Institute.
In 20% of cases, severe forms are accompanied by hemorrhage.
In the most serious cases, acute renal failure may occur, accompanied by neurological damage (convulsions, coma) and more or less significant pulmonary or digestive hemorrhages. More rarely, ocular complications (uveitis, keratitis) may appear in the long term. The majority of infected people do not suffer any after-effects.
In terms of treatment, antibiotics (amoxicillin, cephalosporin and cyclines) are often prescribed. Severe forms require hospitalization.
In France, leptospirosis has not been mandatory since 1986 but remains under surveillance. There is a vaccine against the type of bacteria most frequently involved for professionals (sewer workers, veterinarians).
Worldwide, leptospirosis causes more than one million cases per year, including 60,000 deaths.
How to react in the event of a rat bite?
Several good reflexes can prevent the spread of infection, says Dr. Gérald Kierzek. But we must act quickly!
“Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and disinfect carefully with an antiseptic,” he advises.
Then “consult a doctor quickly (prophylactic antibiotic therapy) and check your vaccination status (tetanus and prophylaxis)”.
Finally, " monitor the wound in the days following the bite and consult again if signs of infection or general symptoms appear (fever, joint pain, headache)," the doctor emphasizes.
How to protect yourself from leptospirosis?
According to the medical director of Doctissimo, it is possible to protect yourself from leptospirosis with:
Appropriate protection (boots, gloves, wetsuit) “during risky activities such as working in wet areas or practicing water sports”.
Proper footwear “Do not go barefoot or wear open sandals on muddy ground or in stagnant water””.
Wound protection "with waterproof dressings. Wounds which must then be disinfected after exposure to a potentially contaminated environment ".
Effective hand washing, “especially after contact with animals or fresh water”.
Avoidance of swimming “In particular, in cloudy or muddy water, particularly after heavy rain”.
A vaccine for people at high risk “especially certain professionals and athletes”.