Leptospirosis is a potentially serious bacterial illness that is most common in the tropics. Leptospirosis can affect many body parts.  Outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to  fresh water, wet soil, or vegetation that has been contaminated by the urine of infected animals.

Humans become infected through contact with water, food, or soil containing urine from these infected animals. This may happen by swallowing contaminated food or water or through skin contact, especially with mucosal surfaces, such as the eyes or nose, or with broken skin.

Symptoms can take 2 – 26 days (average 10 days) to develop, and may include:

• Dry cough
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Shaking chills
• Eye Inflammation 

Less common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Abnormal lung sounds
• Bone pain
• Conjunctivitis
• Enlarged lymph glands
• Enlarged spleen or liver
• Joint aches
• Muscle rigidity
• Muscle tenderness
• Skin rash
• Sore throat

People infected  by untreated leptospirosis can lead to organ system damage and, in rare cases, death.

But leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol, erythromycin, tetracyclines, doxycycline or penicillin, which should be given early in the course of the disease. Intravenous antibiotics may be required for persons with more severe symptoms. Persons with symptoms suggestive of leptospirosis should contact a health care provider.