LEPTOSPIROSIS

About:

• Cause: Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Leptospira.
  
  
• Transmission:
  • It can be transmitted to humans through cuts and abrasions of the skin, or through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth with water contaminated with the urine of infected animals.
    
    
  • Although, all wild and domestic mammals can harbour the bacteria that cause leptospirosis, but Rodents are the primary source of infection to human beings.
    
    
  • Human-to-human transmission occurs only very rarely.
    
    
  
  
  
• Regions of occurrence:
  • Leptospirosis occurs worldwide, but is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.
    
    
  • Outbreaks of leptospirosis are common when flooding occurs, such as following a typhoon or very heavy seasonal rains, because of exposure to contaminated water.
    
    
  
  
  
• Main occupational groups at risk: Agricultural workers; pet shop workers; meat handlers; sewer workers; survivors of natural disasters (e.g., flooding); people engaging in swimming, etc.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms:
  • The incubation period of leptospirosis is usually 5–14 days, with symptoms varying from a mild 'flu'-like illness to a serious and sometimes fatal disease.
    
    
  • This bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals.
    
    
  
  
  
• Treatment: Leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics.