Leptospirosis

By: Geritt Edu Contillo

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. In humans, it can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be mistaken for other diseases.

Symptoms of Leptospirosis

In humans, Leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

High fever
Headache
Chills
Muscle aches
Vomiting
Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
Red eyes
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Rash

Symptoms of Leptospirosis

Preventions

Avoid contact with water or soil that may be contaminated with animal urine.

Cover any cuts or abrasions and wear protective clothing, especially footwear, if you must wade in floodwaters or other water that might be contaminated.
Talk to your health care provider about taking medicine to help prevent leptospirosis. Be sure to tell your health care provider about all your planned activities.

If you feel sick and think you may have leptospirosis:

Talk to your doctor or nurse if you feel seriously ill, especially if you have a fever.

External link

Treatments

Leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics, including penicillin and doxycycline. Your doctor may also recommend ibuprofen for fever and muscle pain.

The disease should run its course in about a week.

But, you may have to go to the hospital if your infection is more severe. Symptoms may include kidney failure, meningitis, and lung problems. You may need to have antibiotics injected into your body, and in very serious cases, the infection could damage your organs.