Information on Leptospirosis

 Leptospirosis is contagious infection caused by several types of the Leptospira bacteria. Leptospirosis is a illness of worldwide significance that infects both animals and humans. Leptospirosis can be transmitted by many animals such as rats, skunks, opossums, raccoons, foxes, and other vermin. It is transmitted though contact with infected soil or water. The soil or water is contaminated with the waste products of an infected animal. People contract the disease by either ingesting contaminated food or water or by broken skin and mucous membrane contact with the contaminated water or soil.

The bacteria go into the body via cuts to the skin, or via the nose, mouth or further mucous membranes. The symptoms of leptospirosis can be highly variable. The symptoms of leptospirosis are fever, headache, chills, vomiting, jaundice, anemia and sometimes rash. Symptoms usually begin about 10 days after infection. Leptospira hardjo. Today, farmers form the main occupational risk group due to their inevitable exposure to rats and their urine and to cattle urine. Workers in contact with canal and river water or those who use inland water for recreational activities are potentially at risk, although the risk is judged to be very small.

Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment (doxycycline, penicillin) is most helpful when initiated early in the course of the disease. Treatment with these medicines is effective if given within four to seven days of the onset of the illness. Severe liver and kidney manifestations of the infection may require intensive medical care and sometimes dialysis treatment. Supportive therapy measures include detoxication and normalization of the hydro-electrolytic balance. Glucose and salt solution infusions may be administered; dialysis is used in serious cases.

Travelers who are going to an area where leptospirosis is common and who will be engaged in activities that increase likelihood of exposure, can take 200 mg of doxycyline per week by mouth starting before and during the time period of potential exposure. Leptospirosis can be prevented by avoiding water environments that may be contaminated with rat’s urine or the urine of other animals. If you are involved in farm work or veterinary work, or you are a water sport or caving enthusiast, you should take extra care and be aware of the symptoms. The employ of boots and gloves in hazardous places, and rodent control can also minimize the risk of spread.