Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. It is a disease caused by the bacterium Leptospira that can be found in contaminated water or soil. In Humans: Leptospirosis is usually asymptomatic. If symptoms occur, they are typically “flu-like” in nature and can be treated with common antibiotics. In some people, this infection can lead to severe and potentially fatal symptoms.
For more information, please visit the CDC and CDPH Leptospirosis webpages.
In people, leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
It generally takes 2-30 days to get sick after having contact with the bacteria that cause leptospirosis. The disease may occur in two phases:
The illness can last from a few days to several weeks. Without treatment, getting better may take several months.
The bacteria live in the urine and body tissue of infected rats and most commonly spread in mud and water infected with this rat urine. Humans, dogs, and other animals are at risk of infection from rats carrying Leptospirosis. Humans, dogs, and other animals infected with Leptospirosis are not thought to represent a risk of spreading to other animals or humans, but can become seriously ill if infected. There is antibiotic treatment for humans, dogs, and cats. An effective vaccine exists for dogs. This disease is not airborne and is not spread by coughing or sneezing.
If you have had an exposure, have symptoms you are concerned about, or otherwise need to speak with someone about your risk, please reach out to your primary care provider for a phone or video appointment.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis