Leptospirosis - Are you at risk?

26th September 2005 

WHAT IS LEPTOSPIROSIS?
Leptospirosis is an infection frequently found in domestic and wild animals. It is a zoonotic disease, which means that it can pass from animals to humans, it rarely, if ever, passes from person to person.

In Ireland, leptospirosis is usually picked up from rats, although a milder form can be caught from cattle or dogs.  A number have occurred in people working on farms/with animals, golfers and fishermen.  The IFA has recently been asked to circulate information to farmers.  The numbers of cases reported by the Health Service Executive (HSE) are small from year to year (see graph)- to date 8 cases have been identified this year. 

* Regional case numbers are included in the National figures

HOW IS IT SPREAD?
The infection is spread through contact with rats, or rat, cattle or dog urine or faecal fluids from cattle, usually through contact with feed, hay, straw, water or other substances that have been contaminated.

HOW MIGHT I CATCH IT?
If you are in contact with infected urine the bacteria which cause leptospirosis can get into your body through cuts and scratches and through the lining of the mouth, throat and eyes.

WHERE MIGHT I CATCH IT?
Infected urine or contaminated water can be found in sewers, ditches, ponds, canals and slow-flowing rivers and riverbanks. Rat urine may also contaminate animal feedstuffs on farms.

WHO IS AT RISK OF LEPTOSPIROSIS?
Farmers, workers in contact with canal or river water, vets, meat inspectors, butchers, abattoir and sewer workers, those who fish, swim or use the water for other recreational purposes and people who engage in outdoor pursuits in contaminated areas. Dog owners and those who work with dogs may be at risk if hygiene is inadequate.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The majority of people have a flu-like illness with fever, chills, a persistent and severe headache, conjunctivitis and muscle pains, especially in the legs. The symptoms typically develop 7 to 14 days after infection, but may take up to a month. It can be treated with antibiotics, but since most people have a mild illness and recover within a few weeks without treatment, it often goes undiagnosed.  A few people can develop meningitis with neck stiffness and vomiting.   A small number of people can have a more serious illness (Weil's Disease) with jaundice and kidney failure. Weil's disease can be fatal in a small proportion of cases.   It is treated with antibiotics        

 WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE?

 * Wash hands thoroughly before eating and particularly after handling feed, animals and pets.

*  Cuts or abrasions should be covered with waterproof dressings before possible       exposure and cuts or abrasions received during activities should be thoroughly cleaned.

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

*  The use of gloves or protective footwear in potentially contaminated environments is recommended.

*  The risk of acquiring leptospirosis can be greatly reduced by not swimming or wading in water that might be contaminated with animal urine.

*  Showering promptly after immersion in surface waters is recommended.

*  Take whatever measures are feasible to reduce rodent populations, such as clearing rubbish and preventing rodent access into buildings.

*  The use of vaccination in cattle herds infected with Leptospirosis is strongly recommended.

 If you get a flu-like illness within a three week period after engaging in any of the activities listed, you should visit your doctor immediately and tell her or him of your fears and possible exposure to the disease.