A 74-year-old man has died after being hospitalized at the main public hospital on the Ionian island of Zakynthos with a severe infection of leptospirosis. Another two recent cases involve men, aged 21 and 34. The younger man has recovered, while the other remains hospitalized but out of danger.

The announcement by the National Public Health Organization (EODY) confirmed the fatal case.

Authorities said the three infections are not epidemiologically linked as they occurred in different parts of Zakynthos, 1.5 to five kilometers apart, and with no family or workplace connection.

Health officials noted that Zakynthos has consistently higher rates of leptospirosis due to its environmental conditions. Recent rainfall and flash flooding likely increased the spread of the bacteria (Leptospira) in the environment.

Residents were advised to avoid contact with stagnant water, maintain strict hygiene and seek medical care promptly if symptoms appear, namely, as fever, muscle pain, headache, weakness or severe fatigue.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease typically spread through water contaminated by animal urine (often from rodents). Flooding and humid environments significantly raise transmission risk.