Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents. It ranges from a mild flu-like illness to a severe, potentially life-threatening disease affecting the liver and kidneys.

• Fever, chills, and headache
• Muscle aches, particularly in the calves and lower back
• Red eyes (conjunctival suffusion) without significant discharge
• Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
• In more severe disease: jaundice, reduced urine output, and bleeding — a life-threatening presentation known as Weil's disease

• Caused by Leptospira bacteria, carried in the urine of infected animals, particularly rats and other rodents, as well as livestock and dogs.
• Humans become infected through contact with water, soil, or mud contaminated with infected animal urine, entering the body through cuts, mucous membranes, or prolonged water exposure.
• Risk is increased by flooding, wading through contaminated water, farming, and occupations involving contact with rodents or their environments.

• Suspected based on the combination of fever, muscle aches, and red eyes together with a history of exposure to potentially contaminated water, soil, or animals.
• Blood tests, including serological antibody testing where available, support the diagnosis; blood culture can also be used but requires special conditions.
• Assessment of liver and kidney function helps identify more severe disease requiring urgent care.

Milder cases are treated with an oral antibiotic, such as doxycycline, together with supportive care and adequate hydration.

Severe leptospirosis, particularly with jaundice, kidney involvement, or bleeding, is a medical emergency requiring hospital admission for intravenous antibiotics (such as penicillin or ceftriaxone) and intensive supportive care, which may include dialysis for kidney failure.

Early treatment improves outcomes, so leptospirosis should be considered in anyone with a compatible illness and relevant exposure history, particularly after flooding or heavy rain.

• Avoid wading or swimming in floodwater or water that may be contaminated with animal urine, particularly if there are cuts or open wounds.
• Use protective footwear and clothing when working in potentially contaminated water, mud, or soil.
• Control rodent populations around homes and food storage areas.
• Cover any cuts or wounds when exposure to potentially contaminated water or soil cannot be avoided.