Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease. Bacteria of the genus Leptospira ictero-haemorrhagica cause it. Humans become infected through contact with water, food, or soil containing urine from these infected animals. This may happen by swallowing contaminated food or water or through skin contact, especially with mucosal surfaces, such as the eyes or nose, or with broken skin.
Manifestations: In humans it causes a wide range of symptoms, and some infected persons may have no symptoms at all. Symptoms of leptospirosis include:
High fever
Severe headache
Chills
Muscle aches
Vomiting
Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
Red eyes
Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea
Rash.
If the disease is not treated, the patient could develop:
Kidney damage
Meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord)
Liver failure
Respiratory distress
In rare cases death
Diagnose and treatment: Leptospirosis is confirmed by laboratory testing of a blood or urine sample. Treatment is available and effective.
Prevent Leptospirosis by:
Do not swimming or wading in water that might be contaminated with animal urine.
Protective clothing or footwear should be worn by those exposed to contaminated water or soil.
The contents within traveldoctoronline are presented only for informational purposes and cannot substitute for professional health care or any other medical treatment.All users of this website with health problems should be oblige always to consult their medical doctor before starting any treatment.
Home