Leptospirosis (lepto) is a bacterial disease that is spread in the urine of infected rats, dogs and other mammals or in water or soil contaminated with animal urine. It is not spread from a sick person to a healthy person.
The infection thrives in moist soil or water and people get it through broken, grazed or cut skin, and sometimes through the linings of the mouth, nose and eyes.
High-risk groups include farm workers (particularly banana and dairy) and people who lead an outdoor lifestyle (eg. rafters, fishermen, campers).
In its mild form the infection can be confused with the flu. Symptoms include high fever, sweats and rigours, headache, nausea and vomiting and muscular pain.
It’s important that lepto is treated early, with antibiotics, before it becomes serious.
Refer to the Queensland Health Leptospirosis Fact Sheet for information.
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