Leptospirosis

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.