Must Know Facts On Leptospirosis

What is it?

is a disease caused by bacteria which lives in the kidneys and genitals of many types of animals.

it can affect both animals and humans

Signs and Symptoms in people

usually starts with a flu-like symptoms

symptoms usually start within 5-14 days but can appear as soon as 2 days, or up to 30 days after contact with the bacteria

High fever

Headache

Chills

Muscle aches

Vomitting

Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)

Red eyes

Abdominal pain

Diarrhoea

Rash

How do I get infected?

Contact with animal urine or water/mud/food which has been contaminated by infected urine. The bacteria can survive in soil or water for weeks, even months

Who is most at risk?

Farmers

Mine workers

Crop farmers

Slaughterhouse workers

Fish workers

Dairy farmers

Military personnel

How to prevent it?

Avoid wading/swimming in waters that may be contaminated with animal urine, especially flood waters

Wearing protective clothing and footwear when working with livestock

Separating households from livestock eg through the use of pens and fence

Treatment

Early treatment by a Doctor is key to preventing complications and deaths. Any cattle abortions should be reported to your locality officers and veterinarians of the Ministry of Agriculture for further investigation.

[Source: Fiji Sun, Monday May 25, 2020. Page 5]