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You must know that something as simple as wading through floodwater could lead to a serious infection. That’s exactly how leptospirosis often begins. It spreads from animals to humans through contaminated water or soil. While mild cases may resemble the flu, untreated leptospirosis can progress to severe complications affecting the kidneys, liver, or even the brain.
Synopsis
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is an infectious illness due to bacteria in the genus Leptospira. It is considered a zoonosis, meaning it can spread from animals to humans, which commonly involves transmission from infected rodents, livestock, or pets. Infection primarily results from contact with food, soil, or water contaminated with urine from an infected animal. While many leptospirosis symptoms are mild or like the flu, untreated leptospirosis can become severe and/or life-threatening. Knowing your risk, complications, and how to respond can really make a difference.
Causes of Leptospirosis
Once Leptospira enters the body through mucous membranes, eyes, nose, mouth, or cuts in the skin, it can travel via the bloodstream to organs. Leptospirosis causes are generally in two phases:
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Acute (leptospiremic) phase |
This is an early infection. Fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea or vomiting may appear. Symptoms often resemble common infections. |
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Immune / organ phase |
The bacteria may affect internal organs - kidneys, liver, lungs. When this happens, complications may develop. In severe cases, this includes Weil’s disease (which involves jaundice, kidney failure, bleeding) or pulmonary haemorrhage, or even brain involvement. |
Leptospirosis Risk Factors
Occupational exposure:
People who work with animals (farmers, veterinarians, abattoir workers) or in environments where contact with animal urine or contaminated soil/water is frequent (fishermen, sewer or drainage workers, agricultural labourers).
Living circumstances and sanitation:
Poor drainage, overcrowded accommodations, and lack of sanitation infrastructure, as well as exposure to rodents or wild animals living near humans, all increase the possibility of environmental exposure.
Climate and geography:
Warm, humid climates, tropical or subtropical regions, and heavy rainfall or flooding all contribute to increased risk. Further, after storms or flooding, the risk increases, especially since contaminated water spreads following storms or flooding.
Recreational and travel exposures:
Activities such as swimming, wading, or engaging in outdoor water sports in fresh water that may be contaminated; hiking in wet soils; and travel to endemic areas could bring risk.
Pre-existing health conditions: Increased risk is associated with being older, having a weakened immune system, or other health issues (such as liver disease or kidney disease) that may increase the likelihood of severe disease. Cuts or abrasions in the skin also raise the risk because the bacteria can enter via broken skin.
Leptospirosis Complications
Failing to quickly recognise and treat leptospirosis may lead to serious diseases, such as:
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Kidney failure |
The bacteria often settle in the tissue of the kidneys, causing less-than-optimal function. Acute kidney injury may require hospitalisation and placement of the patient on the hospital's monitoring unit. |
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Liver jaundice |
If the liver is involved, there may be yellowing of the skin and/or eyes, possibly with elevations in bilirubin levels. |
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Bleeding |
Bleeding may occur in the lungs (pulmonary haemorrhage) or inside the body with other areas of bleeding. Severe leptospirosis may affect the ability to clot. |
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Respiratory failure |
If the typical lungs are affected, respiratory failure may occur, requiring oxygen or mechanical ventilation. |
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Meningitis / central nervous system involvement |
Leptospirosis infrequently causes meningitis or encephalopathy (swelling of the brain). |
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Involvement of other organ systems |
Liver, heart, eyes, and muscles can all be involved. Sometimes permanent damage can occur. |
Leptospirosis Treatment Options
Leptospirosis treatment typically involves antibiotics. Mild cases may recover with oral antibiotics and supportive care at home. More severe cases often require hospitalisation, intravenous antibiotics, fluid support, and monitoring of organs. Early treatment improves outcomes.
Recovery times vary. Mild illness may resolve in a week or two. Severe disease can take much longer, with hospital stays, follow-up care, and the possibility of lingering effects in kidney or other organ function.
Leptospirosis Prevention & Early Recognition
Because leptospirosis can escalate rapidly, prevention and early recognition are vital. The following is a list of suggested actions:
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Whenever you work in a wet or contaminated environment, cover any cuts, scrapes, or even wounds with waterproof dressings.
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Avoid having your skin, broken skin, or even mucous membranes in contact with potentially contaminated water (disaster floodwater, dirty rivers, ponds, etc.).
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Wear personal protective equipment (i.e., gloves, boots, water-resistant footwear), especially for people in jobs deemed high risk.
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Ensure proper sanitation and rodent control around the home and workplaces. Eliminating rat infestation and ensuring good drainage helps.
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Drink only safe water; boil or filter water if unsure.
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If travelling to high-risk areas or after exposure (e.g., floods), consult healthcare providers about possible prophylactic antibiotics in certain cases.
Conclusion
Leptospirosis caused by Leptospira is something to take seriously, but it need not be a cause for despair. With knowledge of risk factors, timely recognition of symptoms, and timely medical treatment, most people will recover successfully.
The infectious disease experts at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar are experienced with the diagnosis of leptospirosis, monitoring for organ involvement, and the appropriate use of antibiotics. The focus of our hospital is also on educating patients on prevention and helping them understand how to mitigate risk in their daily lives. With supportive care, follow-up, and dedicated staff at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, we can support you in a safe and full recovery. Book a consultation with an expert today!
FAQ's
Generally, leptospirosis symptoms appear about 5 to 14 days after exposure. However, sometimes symptoms can appear sooner or later, between 2 and 4 weeks.
No. Leptospirosis almost never spreads through human-to-human transmission. Most cases are acquired from contaminated water/soil or animals.
Yes, if recognised early and treated properly, leptospirosis disease is highly curable. Severity depends on when treatment is initiated, how many organs are involved, and the status of the infected individual’s immune system.
You should seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should inform your physician of any possible exposures (floodwater, animals, contaminated water, etc.) and explain your leptospirosis symptoms. The sooner you are diagnosed and treated, the lower the risk for complications from the disease.
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