Leptospirosis-associated severe pulmonary hemorrhagic syndrome, Salvador, Brazil

Emerg Infect Dis. 2008 Mar;14(3):505-8. doi: 10.3201/eid1403.071064.

Abstract

We report the emergence of leptospirosis-associated severe pulmonary hemorrhagic syndrome (SPHS) in slum communities in Salvador, Brazil. Although active surveillance did not identify SPHS before 2003, 47 cases were identified from 2003 through 2005; the case-fatality rate was 74%. By 2005, SPHS caused 55% of the deaths due to leptospirosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging
  • Female
  • Hemorrhage / complications*
  • Humans
  • Leptospirosis / complications*
  • Leptospirosis / epidemiology*
  • Leptospirosis / mortality
  • Lung Diseases / complications*
  • Lung Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Lung Diseases / mortality
  • Male
  • Population Surveillance
  • Time Factors