Leptospirosis is a disease caused
by a bacterium known as Leptospira
Leptospirosis is spread by contact with urine from infected
animals
Humans usually become infected when the eyes, nose, mouth,
or broken skin come in contact with water or damp soil
contaminated with urine of infected animals. The disease
can also be spread by direct contact with urine or tissues
of infected animals, or by eating urine-contaminated foods.
Many wild and domestic animals, including cattle, pigs,
rodents, and dogs can carry Leptospira. Some infected
animals become sick, while others show no signs of illness.
Some animals become long term carriers of the disease.
Leptospira live in warm, wet environments.
People at increased risk for leptospirosis are
those who:
- Have contact with contaminated freshwater streams
or ponds (campers, swimmers, waders, rafters, hunters)
- Work with animals or in warm moist environments (farmers,
slaughterhouse workers, veterinarians, military troops,
rice and sugarcane-field workers, sewer workers)
- Drink surface water that has not been properly treated
- Live in tropical climates
Symptoms to look for include:
- High fever and chills
- Severe headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
- Red eyes
- Abdominal (stomach) pain
- Diarrhea
- Rash
Symptoms begin from 4 to 19 days (usually 10 days) after
exposure to Leptospira. Some infected persons have no
symptoms, but most people with leptospirosis have a mild
or flu-like illness. A few people will develop a more
severe form of the disease know as ‘Weil’s
disease’ with liver and kidney damage, low blood
pressure, and difficulty breathing. The illness can last
from a few days to 3 weeks or longer.
Leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics
Treatment with antibiotics may shorten the illness and
prevent complications. See your doctor right away if you
think you may have leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis can be prevented by:
- Avoiding drinking untreated water.
- Avoiding swimming or wading in water that might be
contaminated with animal urine.
- Wearing protective clothing (aprons, gloves, and
boots) if there is risk for exposure to infected animals
or contaminated water or soil.
- Controlling rodents and mice where you live, work,
and play.
- Vaccinating dogs and farm animals (vaccination of
an animal helps protect it from the disease but does
not prevent the spread of bacteria).
Center for Veterinary Public Health
Fact Sheet Index
Maryland Department of Health & Mental
Hygiene
Office of Epidemiology and Disease Control Programs
May 2002
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