Leptospirosis is a rare bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals.
It passes from animals to humans, which happens when broken skin or an open wound comes into contact with animal urine or water contaminated with animal feces.
Caused by the bacteria genus Leptospira, the condition can end up developing into meningitis or Weil’s disease, which are serious and can prove fatal.
Leptospirosis does not move from person to person.
According to the WHO, the rare condition is found in 10 out of every 100,000 people every year.
However, the risk of exposure to the Leptospira bacteria becomes greater closer to the tropical region.
Let’s look at leptospirosis in detail:
Causes and Risk Factors
The bacterial infection passes from animals to humans.
It can reach the human body through open wounds, mucous membranes, or the eyes.
Animals that carry this disease include foxes, possums, rabbits, raccoons, and skunks.
Leptospira thrives in humid and humid environments, making the risk of exposure greater in tropical areas.
The risk of exposure is greater in poorly developed or less-privileged parts of cities close to the tropical region.
These areas have greater exposure to animals such as skunks and raccoons, making the disease more widespread there.
Flooding can also increase the risk of a leptospirosis outbreak.
Symptoms
Leptospirosis symptoms usually appear within 5 to 14 days, but the incubation period can last for as long as 30 days.
Mild leptospirosis makes up almost 90% of all cases, causing the following symptoms:
Coughing
Fever and chills
Jaundice
Headache
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Rash
Irritated, red eyes
Muscle pain
Mild leptospirosis usually goes away in 10 days, but around 10% of people with it go on to develop severe symptoms.
Severe symptoms show up a few days after mild symptoms disappear.
If severe leptospirosis affects vital organs, it can cause:
Kidney failure
Liver failure
Meningitis
Respiratory distress
Severe leptospirosis exhibits the following symptoms if it affects the liver:
Muscle pain
Nausea
Fatigue
Irregular, fast heartbeat
Chest pain
Loss of appetite
Nosebleeds
Jaundice
Panting
Swelling in hands, feet, or knees
Weight loss
Diagnosis
Early or mild leptospirosis is difficult to diagnose as its symptoms closely resemble flu.
However, a doctor is likely to order diagnostic tests if they suspect a bacterial infection.
Regular blood or urine tests may be used to confirm the presence of the bacteria.
Tests might need to be repeated to confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment
Your doctor might prescribe antibiotics such as penicillin or doxycycline to combat mild leptospirosis.
In more severe cases, you will need to stay for a time at the hospital and get antibiotics intravenously.
If severe leptospirosis affects your vital organs, you might need the support of a ventilator as the severe symptoms can prove fatal.
