Resurgence of Field Fever in a Temperate Country: An Epidemic of Leptospirosis among Seasonal Strawberry Harvesters in Germany in 2007

Abstract

This is, to our knowledge, the largest leptospirosis epidemic to occur in Germany since the 1960s. Contact between hand lesions and contaminated water or soil and infected voles was the most likely outbreak source. The unusually warm winter of 2006-2007 supported vole population growth and contributed to this resurgence of leptospirosis in Germany. Because of ongoing climate change, heightened awareness of leptospirosis in temperate regions is warranted.