Leptospirosis is a rare, severe, and contagious bacterial infection.
Alternative NamesWeil disease; Icterohemorrhagic fever; Swineherd's disease; Rice-field fever; Cane-cutter fever; Swamp fever; Mud fever; Hemorrhagic jaundice; Stuttgart disease; Canicola fever
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsLeptospirosis is caused by exposure to several types of the Leptospira bacteria, which can be found in fresh water that has been contaminated by animal urine. It occurs in warmer climates.
Risk factors include:
Leptospirosis is rare in the continental United States. Hawaii has the highest number of cases in the United States.
SymptomsSymptoms can take 2 - 26 days (average 10 days) to develop, and may include:
Less common symptoms include:
The blood is tested for antibodies to the bacteria.
Other tests that may be done:
Medications to treat leptospirosis include:
Complicated cases will need supportive care.
Expectations (prognosis)The outlook is generally good. However, a complicated case can be life-threatening if it is not treated promptly.
ComplicationsContact your health care provider if you have any symptoms of, or risk factors for, leptospirosis.
PreventionAvoid areas of stagnant water, especially in tropical climates. If you are exposed to a high risk area, taking doxycycline may decrease your risk of developing disease.
ReferencesKo AI. Leptospirosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 344.