Sign in  |  Register

Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Ency. home > Disease > L > Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Weil disease; Icterohemorrhagic fever; Swineherd's disease; Rice-field fever; Cane-cutter fever; Swamp fever; Mud fever; Hemorrhagic jaundice; Stuttgart disease; Canicola fever

Definition:

A rare, severe and contagious bacterial infection caused by Leptospira interrogans, a spiral-shaped microorganism (spirochete).

Causes and Risks

Leptospirosis is caused by exposure to the bacteria, which can be found in fresh water in warmer climates that has been contaminated by animal urine.

Risk factors include:

  • Occupational exposure -- farmers, ranchers, abattoir workers, trappers, veterinarians, loggers, sewer workers, rice field workers, and military personnel.
  • Recreational activities -- fresh water swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and trail biking.
  • Household exposure -- pet dogs, domesticated live stock, rainwater catchment systems and infestation by infected rodents.

The incidence of leptospirosis is low in the continental U.S. Hawaii has the most number of cases in the U.S.

Ency. home > Disease > L > Leptospirosis

[an error occurred while processing this directive]