Leptospirosis (Weil's Disease)

Leptospirosis occurs worldwide and is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. People get leptospirosis by contact with urine infected with the bacteria, from animals. Leptospira bacteria enter the body through broken skin and mucous membranes, such as the eyes or nose. The bacteria can also enter the body when a person swallows contaminated food or water, including water swallowed during water sports. Fresh water, damp soil, or vegetation contaminated by the urine of infected animals can also transmit the disease. People who canoe, raft, wade, or swim in lakes, rivers, and streams contaminated with Leptospira bacteria are at risk of infection. Leptospirosis can also be a problem for farmers, workers in rice fields, sewer workers, the military, and others whose jobs involve contact with water or mud that is contaminated. Veterinarians, farmers, and kennel workers who may come into contact with other infected body fluids from animals can also be at risk. Many different kinds of animals carry the bacterium; the animals may become sick, but sometimes have no symptoms. Leptospira organisms have been found in cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, rodents, and wild animals. In Missouri, there are only a few cases reported each year.

The disease in humans causes a wide range of symptoms, with some infected persons having no symptoms at all. Symptoms of leptospirosis usually begin abruptly with a 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. The patient may recover for a time but become ill again, generally with more severe symptoms. 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. It takes anywhere from 2 to 30 days for symptoms to develop, but most often it takes from 5 to 14 days after exposure. People with leptospirosis are usually very sick and need hospital care. The disease is curable with antibiotics. The disease is not known to be spread from person to person.

To protect yourself from infection, minimize contact with water, mud, or vegetation that might be contaminated with the urine of infected animals, especially rodents. Wear protective clothing, such as waterproof boots or waders, when activities might result in contact with contaminated water. Protective clothing and gloves should be worn when persons may be exposed to animal bodily fluids, such as when pets or livestock bear young and Wash hands thoroughly!