First evidence of leptospirosis in Vanuatu

The clinical picture of leptospirosis is often confusing and biological confirmation with reference tests (microagglutination test or isolation of the organism) is not usually possible in tropical countries where the disease remains undiagnosed. We report here the first human cases of leptospirosis in Vanuatu (South Pacific), which occurred during the 1989-1990 epidemic of dengue, and discuss the differential diagnosis of the 2 diseases.