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• 1 2019-07-22T11:30:16-07:00 Leptospirosis Transmission 6 plain 2019-07-23T18:07:37-07:00

  
  Transmission: Leptospirosis is caused by the pathogenic form of the bacterium Leptospira Interrogans. Leptospirosis are spread from the urine of dogs, rodents, and domestic farm animals. In areas contaminated by the bacteria, it can pass through open wounds, mucosal membranes and genitals. There have been few cases of Leptospirosis being transferred between humans through sex or breast feeding. By urine being the route of transmission it is possible for the bacterium to infect agricultural lands as well as water sources. 

  Outbreaks are often a result of:
  1. Natural disasters such as heavy rain or floods
  2. Occupational causes, such as working on infected agricultural lands. 
  
  Symptoms: Leptospirosis often has a remission period of one week after infection. Symptoms such as  fever, headache, muscle ache, jaundice, diarrhea, and skin rash present after two weeks. Untreated Leptospirosis can result in kidney dysfunction, liver failure, meningitis, respiratory failure, or death. Severe Leptospirosis in humans may develop into Weil's Disease. 
  
  Host: Animals may be carriers and not present any symptoms. Animals recovering from an infection often become asymptomatic carriers that provide an environment for the Leptospires in their renal tubules for elongated periods of time. However it is commonly suggested that rats and mice are the source of infection for humans and other animals. Research has shown however that transmission of Leptospirosis in Urban settings may be different from transmission in Rural areas. Within Rural areas it is hypothesized that domestic animals play a larger role. Regardless of setting, renal harboring of leptospires are important in the cycle of leptospirosis infections. 

  Risk: farmers, mine workers, sewer workers, and slaughterhouse personnel, veterinarians, animal caretakers, fish works, dairy farmers, and military personal. Along with travelers or people in an infected community that participate in outdoor recreational areas. 

  Treatment: Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline or penicillin.

  Prevention: Wash hands regularly and take caution in designated risk areas. Handle food hygienically and safely. Having access to adequate water and sanitation systems will greatly improve a community's ability to prevent Leptospirosis.