
Leptospirosis is a potentially severe illness. It's not easy for humans to contract this illness. It's most common in animals, and humans usually only catch it if they've been in contact with urine or feces from an infected animal.
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a disease that affects humans and animals. It’s named after leptospira, the bacteria that causes the illness. It’s most prevalent in tropical climates.
What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis causes several symptoms. Some people only have a few symptoms, and others have no symptoms at all. Many signs of the disease are similar to other illnesses, which makes leptospirosis hard to diagnose.
Symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Eye redness
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
- Muscle aches
- Rash
- Vomiting
Depending on how severe the infection is, leptospirosis can last a few days to several weeks. Antibiotics help speed up recovery. People who don’t get treatment, on the other hand, may have effects for months after the infection.
What are the main causes of leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis occurs most frequently in animals, but animals can pass it to humans. Both wild and domestic animals are at risk of contracting the bacteria. Commonly affected animals include:
- Cattle
- Dogs
- Horses
- Pigs
- Rodents
- Wild animals, including deer, raccoons
When animals have leptospirosis, they pass the bacteria in their urine and feces. The bacteria can linger in water or soil for long periods of time after leaving the animal’s body. If you come into contact with infected animal waste, you may contract the illness. Experts find that infections in humans are often the result of contact with water or soil that was contaminated with animal waste:
It’s possible to come into contact with contaminated water and soil without realizing it. Natural bodies of water can contain animal urine. If you swim or wade in contaminated water, the bacteria can get into your body through small cuts or scrapes.
Drinking contaminated water can also cause infection. Gardening, digging, or working in contaminated soil can have the same effects.
The risk of leptospirosis can rise after a natural disaster. In situations where there is flooding or if water treatment facilities are shut down, people may have increased contact with contaminated water. You should avoid contact with or the ingestion of floodwater.
There is a small risk of getting leptospirosis from a household pet. If your pet has been diagnosed with the condition, you should avoid contact with their urine or feces. If you need to clean up after a pet, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly. Disinfect any indoor surfaces that come in contact with pet urine or feces.
There is a vaccine to prevent leptospirosis in pets. Your vet can give you information about whether they recommend the vaccine for your pet.
It is very rare to get leptospirosis from human-to-human contact. The bacteria doesn’t transmit through saliva, and it’s not airborne, so kissing and breathing aren’t dangerous.

QUESTION
Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day. See AnswerWho can get leptospirosis?
Anyone who comes in contact with the leptospira bacteria can contract the disease. It is more common in people who spend a lot of time around wild animals, livestock, soil, and untreated water.
Certain professions come with a higher risk, including:
- Dairy workers
- Farmers
- Fish workers
- Mineworkers
- Military personnel
- Sewer workers
- Slaughterhouse workers
- Veterinarians and animal caretakers
People who engage in outdoor water activities like fishing, and kayaking can also risk exposure to leptospira, particularly in tropical or temperate climates. Your risk also increases if you live or work in a building with a rodent infestation.
How do you treat leptospirosis?
If you have symptoms of leptospirosis, you should see a doctor. Let them know if you have been exposed to the bacteria 5 to 14 days before your symptoms started. You will need blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. Also let them know if you have traveled to an area where leptospirosis is common.
Your doctor will give you antibiotics to kill the bacteria in your system. Oral medication like doxycycline or penicillin may be sufficient. If you have a more severe case, your doctor might recommend IV antibiotics at a higher dose.
Health News
- AHA News: This Tick Season, Beware the Tiny Bugs That Can Carry Lyme Disease – a Danger to the Heart
- Ticks Can Take a Licking From Really Tough Weather
- Drug Might Help Slow Nearsightedness in Kids
- Does Your Kid Need a Summer Vacation From Smartphones?
- Get in the Swim: Summer Pool Safety Tips
More Health News »
Severe leptospirosis
In very rare cases, leptospirosis leads to a severe form of the illness called Weil syndrome. It only affects about 10% of people who contract leptospirosis, but it can be life-threatening.
Weil syndrome leads to acute symptoms such as fever, kidney failure, jaundice due to liver failure, hemorrhage, and respiratory distress. It can also affect the heart, central nervous system, and muscles.
Most people who develop Weil syndrome will need to be hospitalized. The illness can last for weeks or months and may be fatal, but prompt treatment with IV antibiotics can be effective.
How do you prevent leptospirosis?
You can reduce your risk of leptospirosis by being cautious during activities that might bring you in contact with animal waste or contaminated water or soil.
If you have pets, talk to your vet about having them vaccinated against leptospirosis. If you work around animals that might be infected, wear protective clothing, including gloves and eye protection. Wash your hands often and shower after you finish work.
Cover any cuts or scrapes with a waterproof dressing if you are going hiking, swimming, camping, or boating. Wear shoes or protective foot coverings whenever you are outdoors. Avoid ingesting untreated water. Wash hands and shower in clean water as soon as you can after outdoor activities.
Keep your home and workplace free of rodents if possible. Don’t leave food out where it might attract mice or other pests. Seal any entry points where rats or mice could get in. Use traps or hire an exterminator if you think you have rodents. Clean and disinfect any areas where you see evidence of rats or mice.
While it is possible for humans to get leptospirosis, it is not common. Additionally, taking precautions to avoid contaminated soil and water will reduce your risk. If you work around animals, use proper safety equipment and talk to your doctor about what you can do to prevent infection.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Leptospirosis Fact Sheet.” “Leptospirosis Infection.” “Leptospirosis Risk of Exposure.” “Leptospirosis Signs and Symptoms.” “Leptospirosis Treatment.”
NSW Health: “Leptospirosis fact sheet.”
Virginia Department of Health: “LEPTOSPIROSIS.”
Wang S, Stobart Gallagher MA, Dunn N, Leptospirosis, StatPearls Publishing, 2022.
Top How Easy Is It to Get Leptospirosis? Related Articles
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can have many causes that range from mild to severe. Some of these causes include bloating, gas, colitis, endometriosis, food poisoning, GERD, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), ovarian cysts, abdominal adhesions, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, gallbladder disease, liver disease, and cancers. Signs and symptoms of the more serious causes include dehydration, bloody or black tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, pain with no urination or painful urination. Treatment for abdominal pain depends upon the cause.Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a change in the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Symptoms associated with diarrhea are cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal urgency. Causes of diarrhea include viral, bacterial, or parasite infection, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and drugs. Absorbents and anti-motility medications are used to treat diarrhea.Fever and Headache
Illnesses, diseases, conditions, and infections like cancer, RA, bacterial and fungal infections, encephalitis, meningitis, flu, and colds can cause a headache and fever. Associated symptoms and signs include rash, nausea and vomiting, cough, sweating, neck stiffness, seizure, decreased appetite, and joint pain and swelling. Treatment depends upon the cause but may include antibiotics, antifungal or antiviral drugs, pain-control drugs, decongestants, and cough suppressants.How Do You Kill Bacteria in a Hot Tub?
Hot tub folliculitis, also called jacuzzi folliculitis or spa pool folliculitis, is a skin condition arising within hours to a few days after bathing with warm water in a jacuzzi, spa pool or warm water swimming pool. The infection is generally caused by a bacterium called staph or staphylococcus aureus.Mono (Infectious Mononucleosis)
Infectious mononucleosis is a virus infection in which there is an increase of white blood cells that are mononuclear (with a single nucleus) "Mono" and "kissing disease" are popular terms for this very common illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that causes symptoms such as fever, headache, and chills. Treatment for leptospirosis requires antibiotics.Mistakes You're Making With Antibacterial Wipes
Antibacterial wipes are a quick and easy way to kill germs when you use them the right way. Learn the dos and don'ts.When Should I Be Concerned About Lower Abdominal Pain?
Learn the eight warning signs of abdominal pain which may indicate a serious medical condition.What Can Diarrhea Be a Sign Of?
Diarrhea is a common condition and usually goes away without intervention.What Causes Upper Left Abdominal Pain?
What are the causes of abdominal pain on the upper left side? Learn the signs of possible causes.What Naturally Stops Diarrhea?
Diarrhea or loose stools are often caused by a virus, bacteria or food allergies. Things that naturally stop diarrhea include the BRAT diet, probiotics, oral rehydration solution (ORS), zinc, turmeric, cinnamon and nutmeg.Where Does Bacterial Meningitis Come From?
Bacterial meningitis is characterized by inflammation around your brain and spinal cord that leads to dangerous — and sometimes deadly — pressure in this area. Bacterial meningitis comes from person-to-person contact with an infected person.