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Frequently Asked Questions
What
is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals.
It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. 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, and vomiting,
and may include jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal
pain, diarrhea, or a 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,
and respiratory distress. In rare cases death occurs.
Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases. Leptospirosis
is confirmed by laboratory testing of a blood or urine sample.
How
do people get leptospirosis?
Outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to water
contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Many different
kinds of animals carry the bacterium; they may become sick but
sometimes have no symptoms. Leptospira organisms have been found
in cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, rodents, and wild animals. 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. The disease is not known to be spread from person to person.
How
long is it between the time of exposure and when people become
sick?
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.
This phase is also called Weil's disease.
The illness lasts from a few days to 3 weeks or longer. Without
treatment, recovery may take several months.
Where
is leptospirosis found?
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, for example, farmers, sewer
workers, veterinarians, fish workers, dairy farmers, or military
personnel. It is a recreational hazard for campers or those who
participate in outdoor sports in contaminated areas and has been
associated with swimming, wading, and whitewater rafting in contaminated
lakes and rivers. The incidence is also increasing among urban
children.
How
is leptospirosis treated?
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.
Can
leptospirosis be prevented?
The risk of acquiring leptospirosis can be greatly reduced by
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 because of their job or recreational
activities.
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