Government Mobilises Multi-Sector Response to Address Leptospirosis

In response to the recent cases of leptospirosis reported in Mauritius, the Ministry of Health and Wellness convened a High-Level Multi-Sectoral Meeting this morning in Ebène. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo, and aimed to assess the current situation and coordinate immediate intervention measures.

The meeting brought together representatives of key Ministries, local authorities, institutions and the private sector to strengthen inter-ministerial coordination in addressing the public health concern. The Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell; the Minister of Local Government, Mr Ranjiv Woochit; and the Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Mrs Anishta Babooram, were also present.

In a statement, Minister Bachoo indicated that the meeting enabled the Ministry to take stock of the situation, identify constraints and agree on concrete measures and solutions. He emphasised the importance of raising awareness and sensitising the population about leptospirosis so that the public can actively collaborate in prevention efforts.

The Minister called on the private sector to support the Ministry in this government-coordinated national response. Representatives from Association des Hôteliers et Restaurateurs de l'Ile Maurice (AHRIM) and the Ministry of Tourism would also be involved in coordinating urgent actions aimed at containment, prevention and public awareness, he pointed out.

Inter-ministerial collaboration has been strengthened, he emphasised, while noting that the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change is supporting cleaning operations. The Ministry of Local Government and the local authorities are carrying out rodent control, waste collection, the clearing of illegal dumping sites, and the cleaning of markets, drains, and vacant lands, he indicated.

Minister Bachoo further stated that preventive measures are being reinforced, including cleanliness campaigns, proper disposal of food waste and the removal of stacked vegetation.

Regarding chikungunya and dengue, the Minister noted that efforts have been intensified to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. He urged the public to maintain proper hygiene, eliminate stagnant water and support community clean-up initiatives to help reduce the spread of these diseases.

Twelve cases of leptospirosis have been reported since the beginning of 2026, with three deaths notified, including one directly attributed to the disease. The most recent case, reported on 9 March 2026, concerns a 35-year-old detainee from Beau Bassin Prison who is currently admitted to the prison ward at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, Rose Belle. Cases have been recorded across several regions including, L’Amitié, Curepipe, Surinam, Castel, Chemin Grenier, Roche Noire, Vacoas, Nouvelle France and Port Louis.

13 March 2026

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Topics: Health