15 Facts about Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis outbreak usually occurs in tropical countries challenged by flooding and poor sanitation.
@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan
Leptospirosis is a rare disease but it can be fatal. Knowing more about this disease is key to prevent or manage it. Here are facts you should know about leptospirosis:
1. Leptospirosis is caused by the bacteria Leptospira
interrogans.
2. Leptospirosis is usually transmitted by rats which humans can get exposed to when going to wet fields, freshwater, or flooded areas contaminated with rat urine through open wound and cut on the skin.
3. You can get leptospirosis when an infected animal bites you or when it's body fluid penetrates your body through skin abrasion and mucus membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. Yes, you can also get infected when you drink contaminated water or eat contaminated food.
5. Saltwater generally are considered safe because it's iodine content kills the Leptospira bacteria.
6. Rodents are not the only animals that can carry leptospirosis infection, cattle dogs, horses, pig, sheep, and other animals can also be carriers.
7. Vaccination is available for animals and humans to protect against leptospirosis.
8. Incubation period or the time from exposure to the development of symptom usually takes 2 to 30 days.
9. Typical sign and symptoms of Leptospirosis includes:
10. It is possible for a person get infected with leptospirosis but show no symptom.
11. It is possible for an infected mother to pass on the infection to her baby through breastfeeding.
12. Leptospirosis may have 2 phases. The first phase is characterized by less severe symptoms such as headache, fever, muscle pain and gastrointestinal upset. The symptoms will abruptly disappear followed by the fatal 2nd phase of leptospirosis marked by liver damage, kidney damage, or meningitis.
13. Weil's disease is the severe form of leptospirosis which is marked by liver failure, kidney failure, meningitis, which can cause jaundice, and water retention leading to swelling of extremities, and hemorrhage.
14. Outbreaks of leptospirosis can occur following flooding brought about by typhoon.
15. Antibiotics usually used to treat leptospirosis includes doxycycline and penicillin.
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| 15 Facts about Leptospirosis |
@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan
Leptospirosis is a rare disease but it can be fatal. Knowing more about this disease is key to prevent or manage it. Here are facts you should know about leptospirosis:
1. Leptospirosis is caused by the bacteria Leptospira
interrogans.
2. Leptospirosis is usually transmitted by rats which humans can get exposed to when going to wet fields, freshwater, or flooded areas contaminated with rat urine through open wound and cut on the skin.
3. You can get leptospirosis when an infected animal bites you or when it's body fluid penetrates your body through skin abrasion and mucus membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. Yes, you can also get infected when you drink contaminated water or eat contaminated food.
5. Saltwater generally are considered safe because it's iodine content kills the Leptospira bacteria.
6. Rodents are not the only animals that can carry leptospirosis infection, cattle dogs, horses, pig, sheep, and other animals can also be carriers.
7. Vaccination is available for animals and humans to protect against leptospirosis.
8. Incubation period or the time from exposure to the development of symptom usually takes 2 to 30 days.
9. Typical sign and symptoms of Leptospirosis includes:
- fever
- chills
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- stomachache
- muscle ache
- jaundice (yellow tinge skin and sclera of the eye)
- red eyes
- skin rash
10. It is possible for a person get infected with leptospirosis but show no symptom.
11. It is possible for an infected mother to pass on the infection to her baby through breastfeeding.
12. Leptospirosis may have 2 phases. The first phase is characterized by less severe symptoms such as headache, fever, muscle pain and gastrointestinal upset. The symptoms will abruptly disappear followed by the fatal 2nd phase of leptospirosis marked by liver damage, kidney damage, or meningitis.
13. Weil's disease is the severe form of leptospirosis which is marked by liver failure, kidney failure, meningitis, which can cause jaundice, and water retention leading to swelling of extremities, and hemorrhage.
14. Outbreaks of leptospirosis can occur following flooding brought about by typhoon.
15. Antibiotics usually used to treat leptospirosis includes doxycycline and penicillin.
