Leptospirosis

About Leptospirosis

• Leptospirosis is a tropical zoonotic disease.
• It is also commonly known as “rat fever” or “flood fever.”
• Causing bacteria: It is caused by the bacterium Leptospira that can be found in contaminated water or soil.
• How it spreads: It is caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which is spread through the urine of infected animals such as rodents, cattle, dogs and cats.
  • During the monsoon, contaminated urine and animal waste mix with floodwater and mud, allowing the bacteria to enter the body through even small cuts, abrasions or cracked skin.
• Transmission:
  • It impacts both humans and animals.
  • It rarely transmit from Person-to-person.
  • Note: In India, it began to be reported in Kerala since 1989 and has been endemic in the State for the past three decades or more. It has now become the communicable disease with the highest mortality profile.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle pain, and vomiting. Other symptoms are jaundice, red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and skin rashes.
  • If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory distress, and, in severe cases, death.
• Treatment: It is treated with antibiotics. In severe cases, patients may require intravenous (IV) antibiotics to effectively manage the infection and prevent complications.
• Prevention: 
  • It is advised to wear waterproof footwear in flooded areas and wash and dry feet thoroughly after exposure.
  • Clean and cover cuts or wounds promptly.
  • Control rodents and maintain hygiene.
  • Drink safe water, especially after floods.