What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is caused by the bacteria Leptospira. Outbreaks are usually caused by exposure to water (such as during floods) contaminated with the urine of infected animals, such as rodents, cattle, pigs, horses, dogs and wild animals.

Animal carcasses can certainly contaminate usable water, especially if the animals were diseased in the first place. (Note: rodent urine and leptospirosis.) Dead bodies also discharge faeces that may contain micro-organisms which can pollute the water.

Is it contagious?

Humans become infected through urine-contaminated water, food, or soil, either by drinking/eating or skin/mucous membrane contact. It is not spread from human to human. Once inside your body, the bacteria takes anything from two days to four weeks to make you sick.

Symptoms

Symptoms include high fever, a severe headache, chills, muscle ache, vomiting, jaundice, red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and rash. If not treated, you can develop kidney failure, meningitis (brain and spinal cord inflammation), liver failure, breathing problems and even death. Some patients don’t develop symptoms at all. Leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline and penicillin.

Is it fatal?

Mortality rates for leptospirosis can range from 5%-40%, depending on the severity of organ dysfunction and the patient’s general health prior to infection. Most previously healthy patients will make a full recovery. During the Johor floods in January 2007, one fatality was recorded.

Can my pets get leptospirosis?

Pets (especially dogs, less commonly cats) can contract leptospirosis. Your pet can contract it in the same ways you can (ingesting contaminated soil, water or through skin wounds). Your pet may exhibit vomiting, refusal to eat, weight loss, decreased activity, muscle pains, or stiffness.

If you suspect your pet is ill, take them to a veterinarian. If your pet is diagnosed with leptospirosis, you must be careful to try to prevent exposure to yourself or other household members.

Remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water after cleaning up waste from your pet.

If possible, use latex or rubber gloves to do the job of cleaning up.