WHAT IS Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a relatively rare bacterial infection that affects people and animals. It can pass from animals to humans when an unhealed break in the skin comes in contact with water or soil where animal urine is present.

Symptoms of mild leptospirosis include:

• a fever and chills

• coughing

• diarrhea, vomiting, or both

• headache

• muscle pain, particularly lower back and calves

Symptoms for severe leptospirosis can lead to kidney or liver failure, respiratory distress, and meningitis. These can be fatal.