Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial illness transmitted through contact with the urine of infected rats and mice. Leptospirosis is rare among travellers; however, in 2001, a number of people taking part in the Eco-Challenge adventure race in Borneo contracted the disease, most likely after swimming in a local river. Travellers may also be exposed to leptospirosis in areas such as Vang Vieng, Laos, where tubing and other water activities are popular, or by wading through floodwaters. It is a risk when in contaminated water if you have uncovered wounds or accidentally drink the water.
Leptospirosis is most prevalent in tropical climate regions such as South and South-East Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean, sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Latin America.
![]({"file":"6f047729-8a6b-4591-9f81-def081fac725.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":80}}} "Borneo River")
Symptoms
Common symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, chills, diarrhoea, headaches and eye infections. However, some infected individuals do not have any symptoms at all. Without proper treatment, leptospirosis can cause serious problems for the kidneys, liver, brain and spinal cord, and in some cases, it can cause death.
Prevention
Seek up-to-date advice before travel and avoid entering water in areas where leptospirosis is known to occur. Travellers are more susceptible to contracting leptospirosis if they visit flooded or recently flooded areas, swim in contaminated lakes and rivers, visit areas with poor sanitation, or touch animals or their bodily fluids.
It is important to avoid the above and also avoid touching any soil that may be contaminated with animal urine. If it is not possible to avoid floodwaters or other water, wear protective and enclosed clothing and cover any open wounds with waterproof bandages.
Treatment
Leptospirosis is usually effectively treated with antibiotics, but about 5% of cases may be fatal. Fatality is usually a result of severe kidney or liver damage associated with delayed diagnosis. The Travel Doctor-TMVC urges travellers to seek the advice of a doctor experienced in travel medicine for any fever-related illnesses occurring during a trip, or promptly on your return home.
Destinations
The following destinations are known to contain this disease:
Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
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