These people are in a medium that is contaminated with Leptospira interrogans bacteria; because of their activities, they cannot wear protective devices like water goggles or neoprene suits; and the same activity favors skin lesions that can facilitate infection. If the question is who performs an activity that entails the risk of becoming infected by leptospirosis, the answer is: those who practise water sports like rowing, sailing, open water swimming, yachting and thriatlon.

Last week, the 1st International Congress on Zoonosis and Emerging Diseases was held in the City of Buenos Aires with the auspices of Fundación Mundo Sano. Dr. Alfredo Seijo, who is Chief of Zoonosis of Muñiz Hospital, addressed the issue of leptospirosis and, at an exclusive interview for PROGRAMA INFOSALUD, he referred to the current state of vector transmitted diseases in Argentina.

During the 1st International Congress on Zoonosis and Emerging Diseases and 7th Argentine Congress on Zoonosis, specialists in medicine and epidemiology pointed out that most of the cases detected relate to a likely occupational exposure.

The TV program “Científicos Industria Argentina” presented a report on the health program developed by Fundación Mundo Sano, the Institute of Tropical Diseases of Universidad de Salta and the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases.

In Orán, an NGO is implementing a new method aimed at the detection of strongiloidiasis, a type of parasitosis affecting 12 per cent of the population in that region, which gives rise to weakening of the immune system, digestive disorders and developmental delays in children.