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LEPTOSPIROSIS
IDENTIFICATION: Leptospirosis is
an infectious bacterial disease that affects animals as well as humans. It is considered the most common zoonosis
(disease spread from animals to humans) in the world. A recent study found that 50% of raccoons, in the State of
Illinois, were infected with this disease.
INFECTION: Humans become infected by swimming in, and then swallowing water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. The bacteria may also be contracted through skin contact, especially through the eyes, nose, or open wounds or cuts from swimming in contaminated water. Contact with contaminated soil may also cause an infection. A triathlon was held in Springfield, Illinois at Lake Springfield in 1998. The athletes who participated in this event developed leptospirosis. SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of infection include high fever, vomiting, anemia, jaundice, diarrhea, severe headaches, and/or rash. People with leptospirosis usually become quite ill and are hospitalized. It is possible a patient may recover for a short period of time before becoming ill again. If a second phase develops the symptoms become more severe. Meningitis, liver or kidney failure may occur. The incubation period is about 10 days with the disease lasting from 3 days to 3 weeks. Without proper treatment recovery can be extended to several months. In rare cases death may occur. TREATMENT: Administration of antibiotics by a health care provider is the typical treatment. If leptospirosis is suspected seek medical help immediately. 815-467-4039
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