What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria leptospira. Both humans and animals can be infected. Leptospirosis occurs mainly in tropical areas with humid conditions, such as Northern Queensland or South-East Asia.

What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?

If you have leptospirosis, you may have no symptoms, or the following flu-like symptoms:

• fever
• severe headache
• sore muscles
• chills
• diarrhoea
• vomiting
• red eyes

Symptoms usually begin suddenly, about 5 to 14 days after infection. They can last a few days or up to 3 weeks or longer.

Sometimes, the infection can become more serious, causing an illness known as Weil’s disease. Symptoms include:

• kidney failure
• jaundice
• bleeding
• breathing problems
• meningitis
• confusion

If symptoms persist, you may need treatment in hospital. It may take a while to recover. In rare cases, leptospirosis can be fatal.

What causes leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by leptospirosa bacteria.

You can get leptospirosis if you have contact with water, food or soil that is contaminated with urine from infected animals, for example, via:

• cuts or abrasions in your skin
• swallowing contaminated food or water
• the lining of your mouth, nose or throat

Animals that can spread leptospirosis include:

• pigs
• dogs
• mice
• rats
• bats
• possums
• cattle

Domestic and wild animals can spread leptospirosis.

It is very rare for leptospirosis to be transmitted from human to human.

Who is at risk of leptospirosis?

You are at risk of getting leptospirosis if you:

• have close contact with animals
• are exposed to water, mud, soil or vegetation that has been contaminated with animal urine

Occupations that put you at a higher risk of leptospirosis include:

• farmers, especially sugar cane and banana farmers
• fish workers
• sewer workers
• vets
• abattoir workers

Recreational activities that increase your risk of leptospirosis include:

• camping
• gardening
• bushwalking
• white water rafting and other water sports

When should I see my doctor?

If you think you have been exposed, or you have symptoms of leptospirosis you should tell your doctor.

How is leptospirosis diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose you with leptospirosis by:

• asking you about your symptoms, medical history and activities that can increase your risk
• examining you
• referring you for a blood test — you may need 2 blood tests taken 2 weeks apart to confirm the infection

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may also refer you for additional tests such as:

• electrocardiogram (ECG)
• chest x-ray
• lumbar puncture

Your doctor will also rule out any other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to leptospirosis.

It is important you tell your doctor if you become sick a few weeks after you may have been exposed to animal urine or a contaminated environment.

Leptospirosis is a nationally notifiable disease in Australia. This means that government health authorities must be informed about all cases of leptospirosis. This is done confidentially via your doctor or pathology service, so that infections can be tracked. Tracking cases of leptospirosis is important to limit its spread.

How is leptospirosis treated?

Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline and penicillin.

Sometimes, it can take time to receive blood test results that confirm the diagnosis. If it is likely that you have leptospirosis, your doctor may recommend starting treatment before you get results, because antibiotics are most effective if you start taking them as early as possible.

If you have more advanced leptospirosis (Wells’ disease), treatment will depend on how you are affected.

Can leptospirosis be prevented?

Here are some tips to reduce your chance of catching leptospirosis:

• Cover any cuts and abrasions with a waterproof dressing before contact with soil, mud or water that may be contaminated with animal urine.
• Wear protective and waterproof clothing (such as shoes, gloves, eye shields, goggles, aprons and boots) when working with animals that could be infected or when walking in mud or moist soil.
• Shower after work, wash your hands with soap and dry your hands after handling infected material. Leptospira bacteria are quickly killed by soap, disinfectants and drying.
• Wear gloves when gardening.
• Avoid swimming or wading in water, and don’t swallow floodwater or any fresh water source that could have been contaminated.
• Treat water to make it safe to drink by boiling it or using an appropriate chemical treatment.

Vaccinating animals is an important step in preventing leptospirosis, but there is no vaccine for humans.

Complications of leptospirosis

Leptospirosis can cause some serious health complications such as kidney infection, jaundice and brain infection. You are more likely to experience complications if you do not start treatment during the early stages of infection.

Resources and support

• NSW Health has a fact sheet on leptospirosis.
• Learn about nationally notifiable diseases on the Department of Health and Aged Care's website.
• If you have questions about leptospirosis you can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.