Leptospirosis by Molly Kelley https://padlet.com/kelley2wisc/6hu2rve5qefy en-us 2018-12-02 12:58:14 UTC 2018-12-02 13:12:07 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Optimplaces.png What is Leptospirosis? kelley2wisc https://padlet.com/kelley2wisc/6hu2rve5qefy/wish/310154915 It is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira]]> 2018-12-02 13:03:48 UTC https://padlet.com/kelley2wisc/6hu2rve5qefy/wish/310154915 Where does it come from? kelley2wisc https://padlet.com/kelley2wisc/6hu2rve5qefy/wish/310155011 The bacteria that cause leptospirosis are spread through the urine of infected animals, which can get into water or soil and can survive there for weeks to months.

Humans can become infected through:

  • Contact with urine (or other body fluids, except saliva) from infected animals.
  • Contact with water, soil, or food contaminated with the urine of infected animals.
The bacteria can enter the body through skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth), especially if the skin is broken from a cut or scratch. Drinking contaminated water can also cause infection. Outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to contaminated water, such as floodwaters.
]]> 2018-12-02 13:05:12 UTC https://padlet.com/kelley2wisc/6hu2rve5qefy/wish/310155011 Which animals act as carriers? kelley2wisc https://padlet.com/kelley2wisc/6hu2rve5qefy/wish/310155041 Many different kinds of wild and domestic animals carry the bacterium.

These can include, but are not limited to:

  • Cattle
  • Pigs
  • Horses
  • Dogs
  • Rodents
  • Wild animals
]]> 2018-12-02 13:05:42 UTC https://padlet.com/kelley2wisc/6hu2rve5qefy/wish/310155041 So just avoid sick animals, right? kelley2wisc https://padlet.com/kelley2wisc/6hu2rve5qefy/wish/310155104 When these animals are infected, they may have no symptoms of the disease.

In addition, infected animals may continue to excrete the bacteria into the environment continuously or every once in a while for a few months up to several years.
]]> 2018-12-02 13:06:16 UTC https://padlet.com/kelley2wisc/6hu2rve5qefy/wish/310155104 What should I watch for if I think I or someone I know has been exposed? kelley2wisc https://padlet.com/kelley2wisc/6hu2rve5qefy/wish/310155277 In humans, Leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

  • High fever
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Muscle aches
  • Vomiting
  • Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
  • Red eyes
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash
The time between a person’s exposure to a contaminated source and becoming sick is 2 days to 4 weeks.
]]> 2018-12-02 13:08:20 UTC https://padlet.com/kelley2wisc/6hu2rve5qefy/wish/310155277 Disease progression in humans kelley2wisc https://padlet.com/kelley2wisc/6hu2rve5qefy/wish/310155364 Illness usually begins abruptly with fever and other symptoms. Leptospirosis may occur in two phases:

  • After the first phase (with fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhea) the patient may recover for a time but become ill again.
  • If a second phase occurs, it is more severe; the person may have kidney or liver failure or meningitis.
The illness lasts from a few days to 3 weeks or longer. Without treatment, recovery may take several months.

]]> 2018-12-02 13:09:24 UTC https://padlet.com/kelley2wisc/6hu2rve5qefy/wish/310155364 Prevention kelley2wisc https://padlet.com/kelley2wisc/6hu2rve5qefy/wish/310155536 The risk of acquiring leptospirosis can be greatly reduced by not swimming or wading in water that might be contaminated with animal urine, or eliminating contact with potentially infected animals.

Protective clothing or footwear should be worn by those exposed to contaminated water or soil because of their job or recreational activities.

Pets who are at increased risk for exposure to leptospira
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