Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by the genus Leptospira. It affects humans and animals, like mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. It is also known as Weil’s disease, canicola fever, canefield fever, nanukayami fever, and 7-day fever.

It was first discovered by Adolf Weil in 1886 as an “acute infectious disease with enlargement of spleen, jaundice and nephritis”.

Causes of Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a rare bacterial infection in humans. The infection is commonly transmitted to humans by allowing fresh water that has been contaminated by animal urine to come in contact with unhealed breaks in the skin, eyes or with the mucous membranes. This kind of disease is more predominant in of tropical areas and poor sanitation urban areas. Pets can also transmit Leptospirosis .

Symptoms of Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis symptoms include:

• Chills
• Rashes
• Jaundice
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• High fever
• Muscle pain
• Red eyes
• Abdominal pain
• Severe headache

If not treated immediately, the patient could develop:

• Meningitis
• Liver failure
• Kidney damage
• Respiratory distress

Death occurs in rare cases of untreated Leptospirosis

Treatment / Home Remedies for Leptospirosis

Supportive therapy measures can be included into medications of an affected person, this include detoxication and normalization of the hydro-electrolytic balance.

Glucose and salt solution infusions can be administered
Oral administration of calcium carbonate can be useful aid for the recovery of the affected person, but not without first checking the serum calcium levels.

The treatment of Leptospirosis involves high doses of antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment is most effective when initiated early in the course of the illness.

When Leptospirosis is in severe stage it is advisable to seek Medical Professionals attention to ensure the safety of the affected person.

Prevention for Leptospirosis

Maintain clean environment
Store food appropriately
Never drink in cans (unless it is disinfected)
Always makes sure that pets get the appropriate vaccines