#13,985
The `mysterious' respiratory outbreak involving miners working at a Manganese mine in Matthew's Ridge, Guyana (see map above) has grown a little less mysterious the past few days, but details still remain scant.
It appears that well over a dozen people have been hospitalized with varying degrees of lung infection, apparently due to exposure to bat guano contaminated with leptospirosis.The Guyana Ministry of Health released the following statement yesterday, which emphasizes the good news that two patients have now been released, but buries the lede somewhat that a second patient has died and a new patient was admitted to the hospital yesterday.
GPHC discharges two Guyana Manganese Inc. workers
Apr 04, 2019 Government, Ministry of Public Health, News, Press Releases
Georgetown, MOPH – The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) successfully treated and discharged two Chinese national made ill by an outbreak of infectious disease at the Guyana Manganese Inc. (GMI)-owned tunnel in Matthews Ridge, Barima/Waini (Region One).
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Shamdeo Persaud who made the announcement early Thursday also disclosed that another ailing GMI employee died from complications associated with leptospirosis Wednesday night while undergoing treatment at the GPHC.
“We are saddened at the passing of another worker”, CMO Persaud said.
Another mining employee, who was also tested positive for leptospirosis, is in “critical but stable condition” an Internal Medicine specialist at the tertiary institution confirmed Thursday.
The latest casualty has doubled the number of manganese workers who have died from leptospirosis since the outbreak of infectious disease at the manganese mining tunnel at Matthews Ridge, in the Barima/Waini (Region One) interior location.
Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr Vishal Ramjas said Thursday that another GMI employee was admitted at the Pakera Hospital and is undergoing treatment for “a respiratory tract infection”. The patient is also in a stable condition, Dr Ramjas said.
Meanwhile, CMO Persaud reiterated that “all precautionary measures are still in place at the Matthews Ridge tunnel site and immediate surroundings and essential medical supplies are in stock to treat employees of the mining firm and residents of the area.
Since last week’s outbreak, the area has been deemed a ‘Red Zone’ by Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) authorities and “no one is allowed to enter the site,” Dr Persaud reminded Thursday.
Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira, and can cause a wide range of symptoms in humans, including (albeit, rarely) severe hemorrhagic pneumonia. Antibiotics can be used to treat the infection, although early administration is important.
The disease is generally spread by the urine of infected animals - including cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, rodents, etc. - which can contaminate soil or water, which can remain infectious for weeks.The CDC's website lists the following exposure risks.
Risk of Exposure
Leptospirosis occurs worldwide, but is most common in temperate or tropical climates. It is an occupational hazard for many people who work outdoors or with animals, such as:
The disease has also been associated with swimming, wading, kayaking, and rafting in contaminated lakes and rivers. As such, it is a recreational hazard for campers or those who participate in outdoor sports. The risk is likely greater for those who participate in these activities in tropical or temperate climates.
- Farmers
- Mine workers
- Sewer workers
- Slaughterhouse workers
- Veterinarians and animal caretakers
- Fish workers
- Dairy farmers
- Military personnel
In addition, incidence of Leptospirosis infection among urban children appears to be increasing.
Some relevant journal articles include:
Bat-Associated Leptospirosis - 2009
Leptospira and Bats: Story of an Emerging Friendship -2015
Haemorrhagic pneumonitis: A rare presentation of leptospirosis. - 2001
