Leptospirosis

22.1 Leptospirosis Leptospirosis was already mentioned as a disease causing abortion in domestic animals. See page 162. The bacteria (called Leptospira) that causes leptospirosis may also cause disease in people. People who work with infected animals or who are in contact with water that is contaminated by the urine of infected animals are most likely to get leptospirosis. This would include slaughterhouse workers, animal caretakers, and AHAs, as well as people who work in rice paddies, sewers, mines, and sugar cane fields. Leptospirosis might also affect people who drink or swim in water where infected dogs, rats or other animals have urinated.

Symptoms  Sudden onset of fever, headaches, conjunctivitis, muscle pain, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea. More severe cases could have jaundice, pinpoint hemorrhages on the skin, and/or kidney problems which could be life threatening.

Diagnosis  Special laboratory tests are required.

Treatment  In severe cases, supportive care may be needed. This includes re-hydration, control of a high fever, as well as treatment of kidney failure and/or electrolyte imbalances in the blood.

 The sick person must rest and drink plenty of water. General symptoms (headache, fever, muscle pain) may continue, or reappear, for up to 1 to 2 months after the first symptoms have appeared.

 Antibiotics (e.g. doxycycline) should be given, although sometimes the antibiotics themselves may initially cause a sudden rise in fever (due to destruction of the leptospira organisms).

Prevention / Control  Animal owners and slaughterhouse workers should be warned about the disease and how to take proper precautions (i.e. wear protective clothing to avoid direct contact with tissues and urine).

 In an area where leptospirosis is known to occur, avoid exposure (i.e. drinking, bathing, or swimming) in ponds and streams.

 Drinking water sources should be protected from animals’ urine.

 Lowlands should be drained, if possible.

 Practice good rodent control, including good food protection and garbage disposal.

 A vaccine for people and livestock is available in some countries.