The Agriculture Ministry is calling on those living in areas affected by Hurricane Tomas to take extra care as Leptospirosis can be passed on from animals to humans during this time.

Director Animal, Health and Production Tomasi Tunabuna said that this disease is as important for humans as it is for animals because humans can also be infected.

He added that flood waters coming in from the interior and mountains, where the wild pigs live will bring in the leptospira bacteria down to farming areas.

Tunabuna also added that strict supervision should be maintained by parents at all times so that children do not swim or bath in pooled or stagnant water.

Meanwhile WHO's Communicable Disease Surveillance Team Leader Dr Jacob Kool said they are also concerned that there could be an outbreak of leptospirosis if people do not take the necessary precautions.