O-82 Epidemiology of human leptospirosis in Grenada, 2018- 2025: a retrospective population-based study

Methods: A retrospective observational study analyzed laboratory-confirmed human leptospirosis cases reported to Grenada’s Epidemiology and Health Information Unit between 2018 and 2025. Given that most leptospirosis cases in Grenada occur within farming communities, the cases were stratified by gender, age group, and year of testing. Annual incidence proportions were calculated per 10,000 population and stratified by demographic characteristics to assess temporal trends and epidemiologic patterns.

Results: A total of 118 confirmed cases and two deaths were recorded during the eight-year period, corresponding to annual counts of 9–21 cases and incidence rates between 0.86 and 1.81 per 10,000 population. Males accounted for 75.4% (89/118) of cases, exhibiting a markedly higher mean incidence (0.95 per 10,000) than females (0.31 per 10,000). Based on national age group categories, individuals aged 15–64 years accounted for 91.5% of all cases, with the highest frequency (40%) occurring among those 25–44 years. Case-fatality rates of 4.8% (2020) and 7.1% (2021) were observed, both below global estimates.

Conclusion: Leptospirosis remains endemic in Grenada, with recurrent annual activity and pronounced male predominance, reflecting occupational and environmental exposures. The findings emphasize persistent zoonotic transmission risks and the need to strengthen integrated One Health surveillance, particularly in anticipation of flood-related epidemics. Enhanced disaster preparedness, community education, and climate-informed early warning systems are critical to reduce future leptospirosis morbidity and mortality.