Leptospirosis

Swine Flu FAQ Slideshow

Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is leptospirosis?
• What are symptoms of leptospirosis?
• How is leptospirosis diagnosed?
• How is leptospirosis treated?
• Can my pets get leptospirosis?
• Leptospirosis At A Glance

What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by a particular type of bacteria called a spirochete. Leptospirosis can be transmitted by many animals such as rats, skunks, opossums, raccoons, foxes, and other vermin. It is transmitted though contact with infected soil or water. The soil or water is contaminated with the waste products of an infected animal. People contract the disease by either ingesting contaminated food or water or by broken skin and mucous membrane (eyes, nose, sinuses, mouth) contact with the contaminated water or soil.

Leptospirosis occurs worldwide, but it is most commonly acquired in the tropics. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states 100-200 cases of leptospirosis are reported each year in the United States, with about 50% of cases occurring in Hawaii.