Rat fever; Field fever; Rat catcher's yellows; Pretibial fever
People who enjoy outdoor activities where freshwater or wet soil are encountered may be at risk for leptospirosis. Learn how to help prevent infection and stay safe outdoors.
Leptospirosis
Image by CDC/ Rob Weyant; Photo credit: Janice Haney Carr
About
Leptospirosis
Image by CDC/ Dr. Martin Hicklin
Leptospirosis
Processed using a silver-staining technique, this photomicrograph of a kidney tissue specimen, revealed the presence of filamentous, corkscrew-shaped, Leptospira sp. bacteria.
Image by CDC/ Dr. Martin Hicklin
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. In humans, it can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be mistaken for other diseases. Some infected persons, however, may have no symptoms at all.
Without treatment, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.
Leptospirosis has worldwide distribution, with a higher incidence in tropical climates, especially after heavy rainfall or flooding due to hurricanes.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (5)
Leptospirosis
Video by Maureen Richards Immunology & Microbiology/YouTube
Leptospirosis 101: Signs, symptoms, prevention
Video by CNN Philippines/YouTube
Infectious Diseases A-Z: Leptospirosis in Puerto Rico
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Leptospirosis is potentially fatal, but preventable: DOH | ANC
Infectious Diseases A-Z: Leptospirosis in Puerto Rico
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
9:37
Leptospirosis is potentially fatal, but preventable: DOH | ANC
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Newborn Jaundice
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Leptospirosis and Leptospira
Leptospirosis darkfield
Image by bluuurgh/Wikimedia
Leptospirosis darkfield
Leptospira 200 times enlarged with darkfield microscope. Scale: 1mm= ..?.. Pixel
Image by bluuurgh/Wikimedia
Leptospirosis and Leptospira
Leptospira are generally harmless spirochetes that are commonly found in the soil. However, some pathogenic species can cause an infection called leptospirosis in the kidneys and other organs (Figure 23.6). Leptospirosis can produce fever, headache, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash with severe muscular pain. If the disease continues to progress, infection of the kidney, meninges, or liver may occur and may lead to organ failure or meningitis. When the kidney and liver become seriously infected, it is called Weil’s disease. Pulmonary hemorrhagic syndrome can also develop in the lungs, and jaundice may occur.
Leptospira spp. are found widely in animals such as dogs, horses, cattle, pigs, and rodents, and are excreted in their urine. Humans generally become infected by coming in contact with contaminated soil or water, often while swimming or during flooding; infection can also occur through contact with body fluids containing the bacteria. The bacteria may enter the body through mucous membranes, skin injuries, or by ingestion. The mechanism of pathogenicity is not well understood.
Leptospirosis is extremely rare in the United States, although it is endemic in Hawaii; 50% of all cases in the United States come from Hawaii. It is more common in tropical than in temperate climates, and individuals who work with animals or animal products are most at risk. The bacteria can also be cultivated in specialized media, with growth observed in broth in a few days to four weeks; however, diagnosis of leptospirosis is generally made using faster methods, such as detection of antibodies to Leptospira spp. in patient samples using serologic testing. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), slide agglutination, and indirect immunofluorescence tests may all be used for diagnosis. Treatment for leptospirosis involves broad-spectrum antibiotics such as penicillin and doxycycline. For more serious cases of leptospirosis, antibiotics may be given intravenously.
Leptospirosis occurs worldwide, but is most common in temperate or tropical climates. It is an occupational hazard for many people who work outdoors or with animals, such as:
Farmers
Mine workers
Sewer workers
Slaughterhouse workers
Veterinarians and animal caretakers
Fish workers
Dairy farmers
Military personnel
The disease has also been associated with swimming, wading, kayaking, and rafting in contaminated lakes and rivers. As such, it is a recreational hazard for campers or those who participate in outdoor sports. The risk is likely greater for those who participate in these activities in tropical or temperate climates.
In addition, incidence of Leptospirosis infection among urban children appears to be increasing.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (1)
Leptospirosis 101: Signs, symptoms, prevention
Video by CNN Philippines/YouTube
7:39
Leptospirosis 101: Signs, symptoms, prevention
CNN Philippines/YouTube
Adventure Racing
A Leptospirosis warning notice board
Image by Cerevisae/Wikimedia
A Leptospirosis warning notice board
A Leptospirosis warning notice board (in Malay) located at Permai Lake Garden, Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia. It reads:"Warning! Health risk. The leptospirosis disease. This lake is polluted by the a pathogenic bacteria called Leptospira. You are forbidden from swimming in this lake. If you feel unwell two weeks after exposed to the water in this lake, please seek treatment as soon as possible from the nearest clinic or hospital. Instruction from the Malaysian Ministry of Health and Sibu Municipal Council."
Image by Cerevisae/Wikimedia
Adventure Racing and Leptospirosis
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria called leptospires. It occurs worldwide and can affect humans and animals, including dogs and cats. The disease can be serious in both humans and animals. Leptospires are maintained in the genital and urinary tract. Ninety percent (90%) of those infected with the bacteria have no symptoms. Symptoms of leptospirosis are sometimes non-specific and can easily be confused with the flu. Such symptoms include fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or skin rash. Leptospirosis can potentially result in life-threatening infections of the kidney, liver, brain, lung, and heart.
What is adventure racing?
Adventure racing is a multi-discipline team or individual sporting event. Participants often travel to a remote wilderness location with the goal to compete against each other and challenge themselves out of their comfort zone. Races often feature unexpected tasks and difficulty levels and can last a few hours to several days, depending on the race. As the name implies, adventure racing entails adventurous, sporting activities in unfamiliar surroundings. Activities often include paddling (kayaking, canoeing, rafting), swimming, hiking through dense forest, cross country running and/or skiing, mountain biking, or climbing.
Am I at risk?
People who enjoy outdoor activities where freshwater or wet soil are encountered may be at risk for leptospirosis. This includes swimming, kayaking, rafting and canoeing in freshwater, hiking and camping. Learn how to help prevent infection and stay safe outdoors.
Adventure race participants should be aware of the potential risk of exposure to leptospires in unfamiliar environments where water may be contaminated with urine from infected animals, or the bacteria may be found in damp soil, vegetation and mud. Leptospires can survive in water or soil for weeks to months. Infection can occur when the organisms enter the body through cuts or abrasion in the skin, mucous membranes (nose, mouth, eyes) or consumption of wet food. Heavy rainfall or flooding can increase the likelihood of river and lake contamination. Adventure racers may be at increased risk for infection when they engage in sport activities (submersion, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, or rafting) in rivers, swamps or creeks. In the past, adventure racers have developed leptospirosis after white-water rafting trip in Costa Rica, participating in a triathlon in Wisconsin and Illinois, participating in an “Eco-Challenge” expedition race in Borneo, Malaysia, and adventure racing in a swamp in Florida.
How can I protect myself against leptospirosis while racing?
Research the location to which you’ll be traveling.
Be aware of possible infectious disease risks that you may encounter.
Avoid contact with environments potentially contaminated with animal urine.
Avoid swallowing water from lakes, rivers or swamps while swimming.
Avoid participation in adventure racing activities if you have any cuts or abrasion of the skin.
Wear protective clothing and shoes.
Is there a treatment for leptospirosis?
Be sure to contact your health care provider if you exhibit any symptoms suggestive of leptospirosis following participation in adventure race activities. The time between exposure and development of symptoms (also called the incubation period) for leptospirosis is 2 days to 4 weeks. Doxycycline, penicillin, or similar treatments are useful in treating leptospirosis.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Hurricanes and Floods
Leptospirosis
Image by CDC/ Rob Weyant; Photo credit: Janice Haney Carr
Leptospirosis
This digitally-colorized, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) image depicts a number of corkscrew-shaped, Leptospira sp. bacteria atop a 0.1µm polycarbonate filter.
Image by CDC/ Rob Weyant; Photo credit: Janice Haney Carr
Hurricanes, Floods and Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that occurs worldwide and can cause serious illnesses such as kidney or liver failure, meningitis, difficulty breathing, and bleeding. Cases of leptospirosis can increase after hurricanes or floods when people may have to wade through contaminated water or use it for drinking or bathing.
How do people get leptospirosis?
People can get leptospirosis when they have contact with water or soil containing urine or other body fluids from infected animals, if they directly touch the urine from an infected animal or if they consume food or water contaminated by urine. The bacteria can survive for months in urine-contaminated water and soil. A variety of animals can spread leptospirosis, including rodents, dogs, livestock, and wildlife. During a hurricane or heavy rain, animal urine in the soil or on other surfaces can run into floodwater, contaminating it. Streams and other natural water sources can also be contaminated.
What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?
Symptoms usually start from 5 to 14 days after contact with the bacteria that causes leptospirosis. However, symptoms can begin anywhere from 2 to 30 days after contact. Early symptoms can include:
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Red eyes
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Skin rash
Cough
Who is at risk?
Leptospirosis most often affects people who work outdoors or with animals, or those who take part in recreational activities involving water or soil, like swimming, boating, and gardening. After floods or heavy rains, anyone who has been in contact with floodwater, contaminated freshwater (rivers and streams) or soil could be at risk for infection.
Some activities that increase your risk of leptospirosis include
Drinking from potentially contaminated water sources, including floodwater, streams, rivers, or unsafe tap water.
Bathing or wading in floodwater or contaminated fresh water, especially when putting your head under water or if you have an open wound or scratch.
Eating food that has been exposed to contaminated water or potentially urinated on by rodents.
How can I avoid leptospirosis?
The most important way you can prevent leptospirosis is to avoid touching or drinking water that may be contaminated. If that is not possible, follow these steps to reduce your risk of leptospirosis:
Treat water to make it safe to drink by boiling or using an appropriate chemical treatment, especially if it has been collected from a source that could be exposed to urine from animals or contaminated by floodwater runoff.
Cover cuts or abrasions with waterproof bandages or other coverings that seal out water.
Do not wade, swim, bathe, submerse your head in, or swallow floodwater or any fresh water source that may contain animal urine or be contaminated by floodwater runoff.
Wear waterproof protective clothing, shoes or boots near floodwater or other water or soil that may be contaminated with animal urine.
Prevent rodent infestation by keeping food, water and trash in closed containers, and trapping any rodents you see.
Avoid eating food that rodents may have had access to.
If you suspect your pet or livestock have leptospirosis, contact a veterinarian. Symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs may include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite and increased or decreased urination. Symptoms of leptospirosis in livestock may include abortion, decreased milk production and weak offspring.
How is leptospirosis treated?
If you have symptoms of leptospirosis, contact a doctor right away. If your doctor thinks you have leptospirosis, they will likely give you antibiotics. Treatment is most effective when started as soon as possible.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (4)
Protect Yourself from Leptospirosis
Document by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Leptospirosis is potentially fatal, but preventable: DOH | ANC
Video by ABS-CBN News/YouTube
Introduction to Leptospirosis
Video by VetMedAcademy/YouTube
Leptospirosis 101: Signs, symptoms, prevention
Video by CNN Philippines/YouTube
Protect Yourself from Leptospirosis
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
9:37
Leptospirosis is potentially fatal, but preventable: DOH | ANC
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12:41
Introduction to Leptospirosis
VetMedAcademy/YouTube
7:39
Leptospirosis 101: Signs, symptoms, prevention
CNN Philippines/YouTube
Outdoor Activities
Photo of Man Paddling Kayak in Raging River
Image by Brett Sayles/Pexels
Photo of Man Paddling Kayak in Raging River
Image by Brett Sayles/Pexels
Leptospirosis Risk in Outdoor Activities
People who enjoy outdoor activities where freshwater or wet soil are encountered may be at risk for leptospirosis. This includes swimming, kayaking, rafting and canoeing in freshwater, hiking and camping. Learn how to help prevent infection and stay safe outdoors.
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by Leptospira bacterial species. These bacteria are carried in the urine of infected animals such as rodents, pigs, cattle, dogs, and many wildlife species. If urine from an infected animal is deposited or drains into a body of fresh water (lake, river, stream, etc.) or soil, the bacteria can survive there for weeks to months.
Leptospirosis exists worldwide, but it is more likely to be found in tropical climates. The risk of infection is higher after a heavy rain or flooding.
How People Get It
People may come into close contact with fresh water or wet soil when they participate in outdoor activities. If the water or soil was contaminated with bacteria that cause leptospirosis, that person could be at risk for developing the disease. The bacteria can enter the body through the eyes, nose, mouth or skin cuts and abrasions. Prolonged immersion in or swallowing of contaminated water can increase the risk of infection. Direct contact with the urine, other bodily fluids, or tissues of infected animals can also lead to infection, as well as ingestion of food or water contaminated by Leptospira.
Participating in sporting and racing events that include kayaking, canoeing, swimming, off-path trekking and other similar types of outdoor activities can increase the risk of leptospirosis infection. These activities – sometimes called “adventure racing” – often involve entering bodies of fresh water and/or contact with soil for long periods of time.
Symptoms
Symptoms may appear anywhere from two days to four weeks after exposure to the bacteria. Most infections result in mild, flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all. When symptoms occur they can include:
Fever
Headache
Chills
Muscle and/or joint pain
General weakness
Eye redness
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Cough
Rash
However, 5 to 10 percent of cases can develop more severe, potentially life-threatening disease, affecting multiple organs, including the kidneys, liver, brain, lungs and heart.
How You Can Reduce Your Risk
If your outdoor activities will involve fresh water or wet soil, you can take steps to lower your chances of getting leptospirosis.
Research the area in which you will be spending time outdoors, and be aware of potential risks—especially if you’re going somewhere new on vacation.
Wear protective clothing and shoes – avoid walking barefoot in areas with potentially contaminated standing water or mud.
Wait until cuts or scrapes are healed before going into fresh water or wet soil. (If you can’t wait, cover cuts and scrapes with watertight bandages.)
Try to avoid going under water or swallowing water in potentially contaminated lakes, rivers or swamps.
Wash your hands and face with soap and water after contact with fresh water or damp soil.
If exposure to potentially contaminated water or wet soil is unavoidable, consider talking to your health care provider about taking medicine that may help prevent leptospirosis.
If you have recently been in fresh water, wet soil or mud and develop symptoms of the disease, be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor can provide testing for leptospirosis and treatment if needed. Early treatment can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms caused by leptospirosis.
Head out and enjoy the great outdoors this summer, and take it all in—just not leptospirosis.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (1)
Leptospirosis
Video by Maureen Richards Immunology & Microbiology/YouTube
Leptospira 200 times enlarged with darkfield microscope. Scale: 1mm= ..?.. Pixel
Image by bluuurgh/Wikimedia
Leptospirosis Infection
The bacteria that cause leptospirosis are spread through the urine of infected animals, which can get into water or soil and can survive there for weeks to months. Many different kinds of wild and domestic animals carry the bacterium.
These can include, but are not limited to:
Cattle
Pigs
Horses
Dogs
Rodents
Wild animals
When these animals are infected, they may have no symptoms of the disease.
Infected animals may continue to excrete the bacteria into the environment continuously or every once in a while for a few months up to several years.
Humans can become infected through:
Contact with urine (or other body fluids, except saliva) from infected animals.
Contact with water, soil, or food contaminated with the urine of infected animals.
The bacteria can enter the body through skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth), especially if the skin is broken from a cut or scratch. Drinking contaminated water can also cause infection. Outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to contaminated water, such as floodwaters. Person to person transmission is rare.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (1)
Infectious Diseases A-Z: Leptospirosis in Puerto Rico
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
1:35
Infectious Diseases A-Z: Leptospirosis in Puerto Rico
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Symptoms
Diffuse pulmonary haemorrhages of the lungs infected by leptospirosis
Image by Nuwan Ranawaka, Vijayabala Jeevagan, Panduka Karunanayake and Saroj Jayasinghe/Wikimedia
Diffuse pulmonary haemorrhages of the lungs infected by leptospirosis
Diffuse pulmonary haemorrhages of the lungs infected by leptospirosis
Image by Nuwan Ranawaka, Vijayabala Jeevagan, Panduka Karunanayake and Saroj Jayasinghe/Wikimedia
Leptospirosis Signs and Symptoms
In humans, Leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
High fever
Headache
Chills
Muscle aches
Vomiting
Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
Red eyes
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Rash
Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases. In addition, some infected persons may have no symptoms at all.
The time between a person’s exposure to a contaminated source and becoming sick is 2 days to 4 weeks. Illness usually begins abruptly with fever and other symptoms. Leptospirosis may occur in two phases:
After the first phase (with fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhea) the patient may recover for a time but become ill again.
If a second phase occurs, it is more severe; the person may have kidney or liver failure or meningitis.
The illness lasts from a few days to 3 weeks or longer. Without treatment, recovery may take several months.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (2)
Conjunctival suffusion of the eyes due to leptospirosis
Conjunctival suffusion is a specific clinical feature of leptospirosis
Image by Daniel Ostermayer, from Houston, Texas, United States/Wikimedia
Introduction to Leptospirosis
Video by VetMedAcademy/YouTube
Conjunctival suffusion of the eyes due to leptospirosis
Daniel Ostermayer, from Houston, Texas, United States/Wikimedia
12:41
Introduction to Leptospirosis
VetMedAcademy/YouTube
Treatment
Bottle of Doxycycline
Image by NIAID
Bottle of Doxycycline
Capsules of the antibiotic doxycycline spill from a medication bottle. Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline or amoxicillin, are often prescribed after exposure to tickborne Lyme disease.
Image by NIAID
Leptospirosis Treatment
Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics, such as doxycycline or penicillin, which should be given early in the course of the disease.
Intravenous antibiotics may be required for persons with more severe symptoms. Persons with symptoms suggestive of leptospirosis should contact a health care provider.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (4)
Doxycycline 100mg capsules
Five 100mg doxycycline capsules, manufactured by Schein-Danbury.
Image by Myself (Shorelander)/Wikimedia
Doxycycline hyclate substance photo
Photo of Doxycycline hyclate, pure
Image by Rillke/Wikimedia
The miracle of penicillin (1940s) | NHS
Video by NHS/YouTube
Leptospirosis
Processed using a silver-staining technique, this photomicrograph of a kidney tissue specimen, revealed the presence of filamentous, corkscrew-shaped, Leptospira sp. bacteria.
Image by CDC/ Dr. Martin Hicklin
Doxycycline 100mg capsules
Myself (Shorelander)/Wikimedia
Doxycycline hyclate substance photo
Rillke/Wikimedia
5:57
The miracle of penicillin (1940s) | NHS
NHS/YouTube
Leptospirosis
CDC/ Dr. Martin Hicklin
Prevention
No Swimming
Image by paulbr75/Pixabay
No Swimming
Image by paulbr75/Pixabay
Leptospirosis Prevention
The risk of acquiring leptospirosis can be greatly reduced by not swimming or wading in water that might be contaminated with animal urine, or eliminating contact with potentially infected animals.
Protective clothing or footwear should be worn by those exposed to contaminated water or soil because of their job or recreational activities.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Additional Materials (1)
Never Happens: True Stories About Water Safety - Texas Parks and Wildlife [Official]
Video by Texas Parks and Wildlife/YouTube
10:37
Never Happens: True Stories About Water Safety - Texas Parks and Wildlife [Official]
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Travelers' Health
No dog peeing
Image by j4p4n/Wikimedia
No dog peeing
No dog peeing sign.
Image by j4p4n/Wikimedia
Travelers' Health: Leptospirosis
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria. Infected animals spread the bacteria through their urine (pee). When infected animals pee, the bacteria get into the water or soil and can live there for weeks to months.
You can be infected if you touch fresh water, soil, or other objects contaminated with infected animal urine. The most common way you can get infected is urine or contaminated water getting in your eyes, nose, mouth, or broken skin (such as a cut or scratch). You can also get infected by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
Some people with leptospirosis will not have any symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice (yellow eyes and skin), red eyes, stomach pain, diarrhea, and sometimes a rash. Without proper treatment with antibiotics, people with leptospirosis may develop serious problems with their kidneys, liver, or lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). In some cases, leptospirosis can cause death.
Who is at risk?
Leptospirosis is found in countries around the world. It is most common in temperate or tropical climate regions that include South and Southeast Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean, parts of sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Latin America.
Travelers are more likely to get leptospirosis if they
Visit flooded or recently flooded areas
Swim, wade, kayak, or raft in potentially contaminated fresh water like lakes and rivers
Visit urban areas with poor sanitation
Touch animals or their body fluids. Animals that can be infected are mammals, including rodents, cows, sheep/goats, pigs, horses, dogs, and wildlife.
What can travelers do to prevent leptospirosis?
There is no vaccine approved for use in the United States to prevent leptospirosis in people.
Travelers can take the following steps to protect themselves:
Avoid touching fresh water or soil that may be contaminated with animal urine
Avoid touching objects that may be contaminated with animal urine, such as animal bedding
Don't wade, swim, or put your head in floodwaters or water from lakes, rivers, or swamps. Especially avoid freshwater contact after flooding or heavy rain.
If it is not possible to avoid wading in floodwaters or other fresh water, wear protective clothing like footwear and cover cuts and wounds with waterproof bandages or dressing.
Make water safe to drink by boiling or using an appropriate chemical treatment
For some travelers, taking medicine before you travel to prevent leptospirosis might be an option. Talk to your health care provider before you travel and tell them about all your planned activities.
There is no vaccine approved in the United States to prevent leptospirosis.
If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider, and tell them about your travel. Avoid contact with other people while you are sick.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
What You Need To Know
Leptospirosis Fact Sheet
Document by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Leptospirosis Fact Sheet
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. It can lead to potentially fatal infections of the kidney, liver, brain, lung or heart.
Document by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Leptospirosis Fact Sheet
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. It can lead to potentially fatal infections of the kidney, liver, brain, lung or heart.
How do people get leptospirosis?
There are two common ways to develop leptospirosis:
Drinking or contact with water (such as by swimming, rafting or kayaking) or soil that has been contaminated by urine or body fluids of infected animals
Exposure to the urine or body fluids of infected animals
What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?
Symptoms of leptospirosis can develop anywhere from 2 days to 4 weeks after being exposed to the bacteria.
Common symptoms of leptospirosis include:
Fever
Chills
Headache
Muscle Aches
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal Pain
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Skin Rash
Red Eyes
Which animals can spread leptospirosis to people?
Many animals can spread leptospirosis, including pets (such as dogs), farm animals, or wildlife.
The animals that commonly develop or spread leptospirosis include:
Rodents
Raccoons
Opossums
Cattle
Swine
Dogs
Horses
Buffaloes
Sheep
Goats
Am I at risk?
There is always a risk of infection for people who have contact with infected animals or soil/water where the bacteria are present.
People who work outdoors or with animals may be at increased risk for infection, such as:
Farmers
Mine Workers
Sewer Workers
Slaughterhouse Workers
Veterinarians/Animal Caretakers
Fishermen and people who work with fish
Dairy Farmers
Military Personnel
Those involved in outdoor freshwater activities may also face an increased risk.
Activities may include:
Swimming
Rafting
Kayaking
How is leptospirosis treated?
If you have symptoms of leptospirosis, contact a doctor who can test for the disease.
If an infection is confirmed, it will likely be treated with antibiotics (medicine that can cure the disease). Treatment is most effective when started as soon as possible.
How can leptospirosis be prevented?
There are several steps you can take to help prevent getting leptospirosis. These include:
See a veterinarian to get vaccines for your pets that can protect against this disease
Avoid contact with animal urine or body fluids, especially if there are any cuts or abrasion of the skin
Do not swim in, walk in, or swallow water that may contain animal urine
Wear protective clothing or footwear near soil or water that may be contaminated with animal urine
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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Leptospirosis
People who enjoy outdoor activities where freshwater or wet soil are encountered may be at risk for leptospirosis. Learn how to help prevent infection and stay safe outdoors.