What Is Leptospirosis? Symptoms,Treatment and Prevention

What Is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira bacteria. It spreads through the urine of infected animals such as rats, cattle, buffaloes, dogs, and other animals.

The bacteria can contaminate water, soil, or mud and enter the body through small cuts, the eyes, mucous membranes, or skin that has been exposed to water for a long period.

In Thailand, the number of cases commonly increases during the rainy season, particularly in flood-affected areas and among people working in agriculture.

Causes and Risk Factors

High-Risk Groups

๐ People who walk through floodwater or mud without wearing protective boots

๐ Farmers, rice-field workers, and farm workers

๐ People who have direct contact with animals or animal waste

๐ People with open wounds who come into contact with contaminated water

The bacteria can enter the body even when there is no large wound. Skin that remains soaked in water for a long time becomes softer and may allow the bacteria to pass through more easily.

Symptoms of Leptospirosis

Symptoms usually appear approximately 2-14 days after exposure and may be divided into two stages.

Early Stage: Acute Infection

๐ Sudden high fever

๐ Severe headache

๐ Muscle pain, particularly in the calves and back

๐ Red eyes

๐ Nausea and vomiting

Severe Stage: Complications

Without appropriate treatment, the infection may lead to:

๐ Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to liver inflammation

๐ Kidney failure

๐ Bleeding in the lungs

๐ Shock

In some cases, the disease can become life-threatening, particularly when medical treatment is delayed.

How Dangerous Is Leptospirosis?

Some patients experience only mild symptoms and may recover without severe complications. However, approximately 5-10% of patients may develop a severe form known as Weil’s disease, which can cause both liver and kidney failure.

Diagnosis of Leptospirosis

Early diagnosis and treatment within the first 3-5 days can help reduce the risk of death.

Diagnosis may involve:

๐ A history of walking through floodwater or contact with animals

๐ Clinical symptoms

๐ Blood tests

๐ Specific laboratory tests to detect the infection

Informing the doctor about recent exposure to floodwater, mud, animals, or high-risk work environments is very important because it can help the doctor make a faster diagnosis.

Treatment of Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics, particularly when treatment begins early.

๐ Mild cases may be treated with oral antibiotics and close monitoring.

๐ Severe cases require hospitalisation, intravenous medication, and careful monitoring of liver, kidney, and lung function.

Seeking medical care as soon as fever develops after exposure to floodwater can help prevent serious complications.

How to Prevent Leptospirosis

๐ Wear protective boots when walking through floodwater or mud.

๐ Avoid remaining in contaminated water for long periods.

๐ Cover all wounds securely before entering water.

๐ Shower and clean the body immediately after contact with floodwater.

๐ Control rat populations in homes and workplaces.

When fever develops within two weeks after walking through floodwater, seek medical attention promptly.

Summary

Leptospirosis is commonly found during the rainy season, particularly in Thailand. Recognising the symptoms and seeking medical care during the early stage are key to reducing the severity of the disease.

Do not ignore a fever after exposure to floodwater. Early treatment can prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

 

Reference :

Phyathai 2 Hospital Leptospirosis

ArokaGO Providers Phyathai 2 Hospital