Overview of Leptospirosis in Albania 2010 -2013

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic infection with a much greater incidence in tropical regions and has now been identified as one of the emerging infectious diseases. The aim of this study is to assess the epidemiological features of human leptospirosis in Shkodra district during a period characterized by significant changes in the natural environment, especially floods the years 2010-2013. Epidemiological data for the period 2010-2013 were collected based on active and passive surveillance with individual forms for zoonoses, according. Sociodemographic characteristics include location of residence, age, gender, occupation. Overall 78 cases of Leptospirosis were reported over the period 2010 - 2013 throughout the country. Shkodrao ccupies 41 % of reported cases of leptospirosis at national level for this period with 32 cases. Most of cases were reported during 2010-2011. According to preofession 46.6 % are fishermens, 16.7 % farmers, 6.7 % in retirement and 6.7 % other professions. The prominent clinical features were icterus (100 %), fever (98 %), headache (78 %), muscle ache (96 %) and urine with darks colour (88 %). Rats are an important reservoir and source for spreading infection of Leptospirosis in humans.