Leptospirosis: A deadly disease in our country

May 22, 2016 Features / Columnists, News

By Dr Zulfikar Bux
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine

During the rain-induced floods in 2005, there was a Leptospirosis outbreak in Guyana that claimed the lives

Dr Zulfikar Bux

of many. Ever since, it has become a condition that always grabbed my attention and makes me worry when I see patients that have it. Although it is not as contagious as Ebola, its complicated forms can have similar devastating/deadly effects. The rains are back and there is an increased risk of the leptospira bacteria being transmitted in the accumulating waters. Understanding this disease will significantly help to prevent its transmission and save lives.

WHAT IS LEPTOSPIROSIS?

Leptospirosis is a disease that can cause fever, muscle aches, and headaches. It is caused by bacteria that infect animals. The germ lives in the urine of animals that carry it.
The main way humans get leptospirosis is from water or soil with animal urine in it. The germ gets into the body through cuts or scrapes. It can also get in through the pink, moist tissues called “mucous membranes” that line your mouth, nose, eyes, and other body parts.
Animals that can carry leptospirosis include:
*Rodents, such as rats and mice
*Farm animals, such as cows, pigs, horses, sheep, and goats
*Dogs

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LEPTOSPIROSIS?

Leptospirosis can be mild or severe. Some people have no symptoms or very mild symptoms.
If symptoms do happen, they usually start suddenly. The main symptoms include:
*Fever
*Shaking chills
*Muscle aches
*Headaches
Other symptoms include:
*Whites of the eyes turning red
*Dry cough
*Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or belly pain
*Pain in joints or bones
*Sore throat
*Rash
Some people get very sick with leptospirosis. They can have serious problems in the lungs, liver, muscles, and other body parts. Many of their organs can start to fail and they can start to hemorrhage (bleed) and die from uncontrollable internal bleeding.
WILL I NEED TESTS?
Yes. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and do an exam. He or she can order tests to check for leptospirosis or a different condition that might be causing symptoms. Tests can include:
*Blood tests
*Urine tests
*Tests on samples of the fluid from your spinal cord (called “cerebrospinal fluid” or “CSF”)

HOW IS LEPTOSPIROSIS TREATED?

If you feel sick you should see your doctor, he or she can prescribe an antibiotic medicine. You can take this medicine by mouth. This helps most people get well faster.
If you get very sick, you might need treatment in the hospital. Doctors can give antibiotics through an “IV.” This is a thin tube that goes into a vein. Doctors can also give treatments for serious symptoms such as breathing problems, if you have them.

CAN LEPTOSPIROSIS BE PREVENTED?
You can reduce your chances of getting leptospirosis by:
*Staying away from water or soil that might be infected, such as:
•Puddles, ponds, or lakes where the water does not move much or has scum on it
•Water that could have animal waste in it – For example, waste that drains from a farm or ranch
•Soil on a farm or ranch
*Keeping rats and mice out of your house or yard
*Not touching rats or mice
*Keeping food and drinks away from animals
*Getting your animals a vaccine (shot) against leptospirosis, if possible

If you have cut, then you should avoid exposing it to still waters or soil that farming animals dwell. You should also protect your eyes, mouth and nose in these environments. But if all of these fail and you develop fever being in such environments, do not hesitate to visit your doctor.

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