American Samoa facing Leptospirosis outbreak

American Samoa health officials have declared an outbreak of leptospirosis after a recent increase in confirmed cases across the territory. The announcement was released after local health authorities reported six confirmed cases since January 2026, with five of those cases identified in March alone. As of March 21, two patients are requiring intensive care, and there has been one fatality. 

The American Samoa Department of Health (DOH) first warned the public on March 13 that there was an increase in leptospirosis cases “due to constant rainfall.” In that warning, officials described the disease as a bacterial infection found in water, mud, or soil contaminated after heavy rainfall by animal urine, usually from rats, pigs, or dogs.

A week later, on March 20, DOH formally declared an outbreak. At a press conference, DOH Epidemiologist Adam Konrote said: “The first step to prevention is being informed.” Improving public awareness enforces a better response capacity as cases become more serious. Health officials said leptospirosis is identifiable and treatable when caught early, but it should not be managed at home and requires medical attention.

The disease is closely associated with wet conditions. According to the CDC, heavy rain can wash contaminated animal urine into streams, waterfalls, floodwaters, and muddy ground, increasing the risk of exposure. Residents have been advised to avoid floodwaters and natural water sources immediately after rainfall, wear protective clothing, and cover cuts with waterproof bandages.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, muscle aches, and red eyes. Earlier public guidance in American Samoa also included body aches, stomach pain, diarrhea, and jaundice, with antibiotics recommended as treatment, and intravenous (IV) antibiotics sometimes needed in more severe cases.

Although the current outbreak has created concerns and brought a high alert, leptospirosis has appeared in American Samoa before. In 2025, DOH warned residents about leptospirosis risk after rainfall, and in 2022, veterinarian Dr. Barbara Kahl told lawmakers that infected animals and environmental exposure were already a problem in the territory. She stated that “She’s looking forward to working together with an epidemiologist to help her with a local study so that they have factual statistics to work with to formulate a plan for getting this bacterial disease under control.”For now, officials are continuing to emphasize early diagnosis, antibiotic treatment, and public risk reduction as they monitor for additional cases.