Leptospirosis Bacterial infection spread by animals can prove fatal

Leptospirosis is a type of bacterial infection which is usually spread by animals and caused by a strain of bacteria called leptospira.

The infection affects around 40 people a year in Britain, but in 90 per cent of cases it only causes mild, flulike symptoms, such as a headache, chills and muscle pain.

However, for one in 10 people the infection is more severe and can even be fatal, causing organ failure, meningitis and internal bleeding. Its severest form it is known as Weil’s disease and kills two or three people in Britain each year.

Usually, humans catch leptospira by touching soil or water that has been contaminated with the urine of wild animals infected with the bacteria. It typically enters the body through cuts or scrapes, or the lining of the nose, mouth, throat or eyes.

Animals known to be carriers of the leptospira bacteria include cattle, pigs, dogs and rodents, particularly rats.

People who regularly deal with animals, such as farmers and vets, have a higher risk of developing leptospirosis, as well as those who come into contact with rivers, lakes, drains, sewers. canals or flood water. In 2010, Olympic rower Andy Holmes who twice partnered Sir Steve Redgrave to gold medal triumph, died from Weil’s disease.

Mild forms of leptospirosis are treated with antibiotics but people with Weil’s disease need immediate hospital treatment. Body temperature can rocket to 102F (39C) and symptoms include haemorrhaging from the mouth, eyes and internally.

There is significant and rapid organ damage and liver and kidney failure can occur within 10 days, leading to jaundice. Recovery can take months and often dialysis is needed.

Weil’s disease is also known as mud fever, swamp fever, haemorrhagic jaundice, swineherd’s disease, or sewerman’s flu.