Warning raised on spread of lepto through rodents

The Saipan Mayor’s Office has taken an active role against the spread of leptospirosis on island by forming an interdepartmental rodent control task force. Health experts believe one of the most probable means the fatal disease is spread is through rodents.

The newly-established task force has been assigned to coordinate a program to tackle an island-wide rodent eradication.

The group composed of members from various agencies will be using traps, poison, and other methods to bring the rodent population down.

“We need the help and cooperation of all citizens to make this effort a success. I am calling on all island residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of this disease,” said Saipan Mayor Jose C. Sablan.

There have been three cases of leptospirosis confirmed by the Commonwealth Health Center since the beginning of the month. And the disease reportedly continues to threaten more islanders, according to Mr. Sablan.

The Mayor’s Office unveiled yesterday a contingency plan to terminate existing habitats of rats which are known to breed on junk cars and abandoned buildings.

In this light, the mayor is soliciting community assistance to pinpoint places around the island that rats use as breeding grounds. Individuals with such information are urged to communicate with the Mayor’s Office.

To further promote a rat-free environment, residents who rely on rainwater catchments for their daily water consumption are advised to cut all tree branches around their roofs or other areas where rainwater is collected. The measure will help keep roof rats away from the water supply.

Families are also urged to boil rainwater before drinking it or using it for food preparations. Roof rat droppings which enter the water supply may carry leptospirosis, according to the mayor.

Pet owners are also encouraged to have their pets treated for routine vaccination. The leptospirosis vaccine is included in both initial and yearly booster shots.

Furthermore, the rodent task force will be working closely with the Department of Public Safety in efforts to stop the cattle from roaming around town freely.

“This creates a serious environmental hazard. Not only have the droppings lead to the closure of both Jeffries and Hidden beaches due to high fecal coliform counts, these animals can also spread leptospirosis through their urine,” said Mr. Mayor.

DPS will be issuing citations and taking enforcement actions against cattle owners who will allow their animals to roam free.

“If we all work together to address this situation, it will soon come to an end,” he said.

Meanwhile, Saipan farmers have long been complaining about rat infestation hounding agricultural farm plots on Saipan, eating up a significant chunk of their harvests.

Farm workers said rats rampantly dwell not only on farms but all around the island of Saipan. (Marian A. Maraya)