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Leptospirosis
Urgent
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by Leptospira bacteria. The bacteria can be present in water or soil contaminated with urine from infected animals. People may become infected when contaminated water or soil contacts broken skin or mucous membranes. Illness can range from a mild febrile infection to a severe disease affecting the kidneys, liver, lungs, or other organs. Symptoms may appear several days to weeks after exposure.
Body System
Blood & Immune System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Leptospirosis requires prompt medical assessment because severe infection can affect the kidneys, liver, lungs, and other organs. Seek urgent care for persistent fever with severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, or jaundice after possible exposure to contaminated water or animals. Emergency assessment is needed for difficulty breathing, confusion, reduced urine output, severe bleeding, jaundice with worsening illness, fainting, or other signs of organ failure.
Symptoms
3
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by Leptospira bacteria. The bacteria can be present in water or soil contaminated with urine from infected animals. People may become infected when contaminated water or soil contacts broken skin or mucous membranes. Illness can range from a mild febrile infection to a severe disease affecting the kidneys, liver, lungs, or other organs. Symptoms may appear several days to weeks after exposure.
Symptoms 3
Fever
Muscle Weakness
Urinary Retention
Causes 1
Leptospirosis is caused by infection with Leptospira bacteria. The bacteria are shed in the urine of infected animals and can contaminate freshwater, wet soil, and other environments. Infection can occur when a person has direct contact with contaminated water, soil, animals, or materials. Exposure may occur through occupational, household, or recreational activities. Person-to-person transmission is uncommon and occurs only rarely.
Infection
Risk Factors
Risk increases with exposure to freshwater or soil that may be contaminated with animal urine, particularly in warm climates. Occupational risk can occur among farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, sewage workers, agricultural workers, animal handlers, and others who work around animals or contaminated environments. Recreational activities such as swimming, canoeing, kayaking, or biking in potentially contaminated areas can also increase exposure. Contact with infected pets, livestock, or rodents may contribute.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, exposure history, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Because early symptoms can resemble other infections, information about recent contact with contaminated water, soil, or animals is important. Blood or urine tests can detect evidence of Leptospira infection, and additional laboratory testing may be performed depending on the stage of illness. Kidney and liver function tests and other blood tests may help assess disease severity and complications.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Reducing contact with potentially contaminated water and soil is an important way to prevent leptospirosis
People working or participating in recreational activities in areas where exposure is possible should use appropriate protective clothing and footwear and cover cuts or abrasions
Avoiding contact with potentially contaminated water and controlling rodents around homes can reduce exposure
Pets and livestock should receive appropriate veterinary care, and people with high-risk occupational exposure should follow recommended protective measures
Prevention Guidance
Reducing contact with potentially contaminated water and soil is an important way to prevent leptospirosis. People working or participating in recreational activities in areas where exposure is possible should use appropriate protective clothing and footwear and cover cuts or abrasions. Avoiding contact with potentially contaminated water and controlling rodents around homes can reduce exposure. Pets and livestock should receive appropriate veterinary care, and people with high-risk occupational exposure should follow recommended protective measures.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Fresh Fruits
Provide vitamins and minerals.
Protein Rich Foods
Support recovery.
Vegetables
Support immune health.
Foods to Avoid
Contaminated Water
May worsen infection risk.
Raw Foods
May carry harmful bacteria.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated water.
Fever, headache and muscle pain are common.
Contact with contaminated water or soil spreads infection.
Blood and urine tests are commonly used.
Avoiding contaminated water helps prevention.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.