As such, it is a recreational hazard for campers or those who participate in outdoor sports. The risk is likely greater for those who participate in these activities in tropical or temperate climates. In addition, incidence of Leptospirosis infection among urban children appears to be increasing.
Age Distribution
Reported Leptospirosis cases occur most often in the 25 to 44-year-old age group while hospitalized cases were more consistent across age groups (Figure 2).
It is most common in temperate or tropical climate regions that include South and Southeast Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean, parts of sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Latin America. Touch animals or their body fluids.
Leptospirosis is more common in tropical areas, where the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that it affects 10 or more people in every 100,000 each year. In temperate climates, it probably affects between 0.1 and 1 per 100,000 people. In an epidemic, it can affect 100 or more in every 100,000 people.
Leptospirosis occurs worldwide, but is more common in tropical and sub-tropical areas with high rainfall. In Australia, Leptospirosis is most common in north-eastern NSW and Queensland.
Cases of leptospirosis in dogs have been detected in both the NT and NSW. The known hotspots for leptospirosis exposure in the NT are; The Fogg Dam and Harrison Dam areas in Greater Darwin.
The majority of leptospirosis cases are mild and resolve spontaneously. Minor cases of leptospirosis resolve with time and oral antibiotics such as doxycycline, azithromycin, ampicillin and amoxicillin, which are administered based on the severity of the illness.
Outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to contaminated water, such as floodwaters. Person to person transmission is rare.
Leptospirosis is caused by an infection with the spirochete bacterium Leptospira. It is most often spread through exposure to the urine of infected animals either from direct contact or from contact with soil or water contaminated by the urine.
Although leptospirosis in dogs can occur at any time in the year, it mainly causes disease in the fall, late September to December, peaking in November.
Leptospirosis can infect almost any animal where it is harboured in the kidneys, but most commonly it is found in rats and cattle, and is spread by their urine. It is not known to cause any noticeable illness in rats, so populations are unaffected by high levels of infection.
Leptospirosis should be suspected in any patient with a history of risk exposure, and any of the following: headache, myalgia, prostration, jaundice, conjunctival suffusion, oliguria, features of meningeal irritation, haemorrhage, features of cardiac failure or arrhythmia, cough, breathlessness, skin rash, or any other ...
About 10 percent of people with leptospirosis develop severe disease, including kidney failure and/or liver damage, meningitis, difficulty breathing, and bleeding. Case fatality rate is 5 to 15% in cases with severe clinical illness.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis
Most people are infected through contact with contaminated... read more . Leptospirosis usually occurs in two phases: First phase (septicemic phase): About 5 to 14 days after infection occurs, fever, headache, sore throat, severe muscle aches in the calves and back, and chills occur suddenly.
Without treatment, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.
For disinfecting, a dilute bleach solution (1:1 solution of water with 10% bleach) effectively kills leptospires and can be used for these areas. Quaternary ammonium solutions or alcohol are also among the disinfectants that can also be used for equipment, runs/cages, floors, etc.
Leptospirosis is most common in tropical climates. On average, 100-150 cases of human illness are reported annually in the United States. People who work outdoors or with animals or those involved in freshwater activities may be at increased risk for infection.
Wash floors and surfaces with a sanitizing solution like bleach (one-part household bleach and 10 parts water) to kill the bacteria. (see below) and clothing. Wash or shower after exposure to soil or water that may be contaminated by rat urine.
It rarely lasts more than a week. But about 10% of the time, when you have a severe form of leptospirosis, you'll get better, but then get sick again. This is called Weil's disease and it can cause much more serious issues, like chest pain and swollen arms and legs. It often requires hospitalization.
It is not likely that you will get leptospirosis from your dog. However, human cases of leptospirosis from dogs can happen, and they can be serious. Since untested dogs can have the leptospirosis bacteria in their urine for months, the risk of passing the disease to you (transmission) may exist for several months.
Leptospirosis is usually self-limiting. Most cases recover fully within two to six weeks but some may take up to three months. Liver and renal dysfunction are usually reversible, with resolution over a period of 1-2 months.
Leptospirosis is an uncommon disease that usually causes mild symptoms but can cause serious illness in a small number of people.
Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics. If an animal is treated early, it may recover more rapidly and any organ damage may be less severe. Other treatment methods, such as dialysis and hydration therapy may be required.