Overview
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Leptospira that can be found in contaminated water or soil. It affects many different kinds of animals and people.
Without treatment, leptospirosis in people can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, trouble breathing, and even death.
About 1 million cases in people occur around the world each year, with nearly 60,000 deaths. Leptospirosis has been reported throughout the United States.
Just like people, animals can become infected through contact with contaminated urine or other body fluids in water or soil. Signs and symptoms in infected animals can vary widely, and some animals don’t show symptoms at all.
Websites
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/leptospirosis/
FAQ’s
- What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria. It can affect both humans and animals and is typically spread through contact with contaminated water, soil, or animal urine.
- How is leptospirosis transmitted to humans?
- Humans can contract leptospirosis through direct contact with contaminated water, soil, or food.
- It enters the body via eyes, nose, mouth, or broken skin (such as cuts or scratches).
- Common sources include water or soil contaminated with urine or body fluids of infected animals, especially after flooding or heavy rainfall.
- Direct contact with body fluids from infected animals can spread the infection.
- Eating food or drinking water contaminated with the urine of an infected animal is another transmission route.
- What are the common symptoms of leptospirosis in humans?
Symptoms vary and can range from mild to severe. They may include
- High fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Vomiting and/or nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
- Red eyes
- Abdominal pain
- Rash
Severe cases can lead to kidney or liver damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), respiratory distress, or even death if left untreated.
Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases. Some people have no symptoms.
It generally takes 2-30 days to get sick after having contact with the bacteria that cause leptospirosis. The disease may occur in two phases:
In the first phase, people may have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhea. The person may feel better for a while but become ill again.
Some people may suffer a more severe second phase with kidney or liver failure, or inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
- What animals are commonly associated with leptospirosis?
Animals that commonly carry the Leptospira bacteria include:
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- Rodents (especially rats)
- Livestock (cows, pigs, horses, sheep, goats, etc,)
- Dogs
- Cats
- Marine mammals (dolphins, seals, etc.)
- Wild animals such as zoo animals, wild pigs and deer
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- Can leptospirosis be spread from person to person?
Person-to-person transmission is very rare. The disease is primarily spread through contact with contaminated water, soil, or animal urine.
- How is leptospirosis diagnosed?
Leptospirosis is diagnosed through laboratory tests that detect the bacteria in blood or urine samples. Early diagnosis is important to prevent complications.
- How can leptospirosis be treated?
Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics, such as doxycycline or penicillin. Early treatment is essential to reduce the risk of severe illness or complications.
- Who is at risk of contracting leptospirosis?
If you’re involved in activities that put you in contact with water, soil or animals, you may be at increased risk for infection. These activities include:
- Water activities like swimming, kayaking, canoeing, rafting or SUP boarding in rivers. Although coastal areas are lower risk it’s best to take precautions.
- Hiking or hunting
- People living in areas with poor sanitation or frequent flooding
- Travelers to tropical and subtropical regions
- Gardening
- Outdoor cleaning and maintenance
- Jobs like working with animals such as a veterinary clinic or butchering
- How can I prevent leptospirosis?
Preventive measures include:
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- Avoiding contact with potentially contaminated water, especially after floods or heavy rains.
- Wearing protective clothing (gloves, boots) if working with animals or in areas with contaminated water.
- Keeping rodents and other pests under control.
- Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands after handling animals or soil.
- Vaccinating pets (e.g., dogs) to prevent the spread of infection.
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- Is there a vaccine for leptospirosis?
While there are vaccines available for animals (e.g., dogs), there is currently no widely available vaccine for humans in most countries. Vaccines are available in some areas for high-risk individuals.
- What should I do if I think I have been exposed to leptospirosis?
If you believe you have been exposed to leptospirosis or are experiencing symptoms, seek medical attention immediately and tell the health professional if you have been in contact with, for example, rat urine. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing severe illness.
- Is leptospirosis common in Gibraltar?
No human cases have been confirmed in Gibraltar in recent years but it can be challenging to confirm a diagnosis. Some people, if their symptoms are mild, may not seek advice from health professionals to enable a diagnosis to be made. This means that we may have an underestimate of the number of human cases in Gibraltar.
- What should I do if my pet is diagnosed with leptospirosis?
If your pet is diagnosed with leptospirosis, follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully. Keep the pet away from standing water and ensure it receives appropriate treatment. Practice good hygiene when handling your pet. Washing your hands if you come into contact with animal urine is essential.
