Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and
animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. In humans it
causes a wide range of symptoms, and some infected persons may have no symptoms
at all. Symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, severe headache, chills,
muscle aches, and vomiting, and may include jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red
eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or a rash. If the disease is not treated, the
patient could develop kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane
around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, and respiratory distress. In
rare cases death occurs.
Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases. Leptospirosis is
confirmed by laboratory testing of a blood or urine sample.