Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals, caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Leptospirosis in humans causes a wide range of symptoms, and some infected persons may have no symptoms whatsoever. Symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle pain and vomiting. The disease can also cause the following symptoms: yellowing eyes and skin, red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea and skin rashes. If leptospirosis is not treated, the patient may suffer kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), kidney failure and respiratory problems. And rare occasions leptospirosis can be fatal. Many of these symptoms can be confused with other illnesses, so that Leptospirosis is confirmed by laboratory tests of blood or urine.
Treatment
Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics, which should not be administered early in the disease. Intravenous antibiotics may be required for patients with more severe symptoms. Persons with symptoms suggestive of leptospirosis should seek medical attention.
Prevention
The risk of acquiring leptospirosis can be reduced by not swimming in water that may be contaminated with animal urine. Clothing and shoes that provide good protection should be worn by those exposed, by virtue of their work or activities, water or contaminated soil.