Leptospirosis: What You Need to Know

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which can potentially lead to fatal infection of the kidney, liver, brain, lungs or heart.

Causes

The Leptospira bacteria is contracted by humans:

• Who eat food or handle water contaminated by the urine of infected animals.
• While tending to livestock.
• From domestic animals such as rodents, dogs, cattle, pigs and horses.
• Who wade or bathe in stagnant water that is frequented by infected animals.

Symptoms

Leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Body or muscle aches
• Vomiting or nausea
• Yellowed skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Red eyes
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Skin rash

If you think you may have leptospirosis, visit your health centre or doctor immediately. Early treatment may help prevent severe illness or death. If you are unable to seek medical attention immediately, stay hydrated and manage the symptoms such as pain and fever with over-the-counter drugs until you can be seen by a medical professional.

Prevention

The risk of being infected with diseases such as leptospirosis increases after heavy rainfall and flooding. To lower your risk of getting leptospirosis:

• Avoid swimming, wading, or playing in waters that resulted from flooding.
• Avoid food that could have been contaminated with animal urine.
• Wear protective clothing and footwear if you will be exposed to contaminated water and soil.
• Wash hands frequently, clean and disinfect your living/working space.

For additional information, contact:

Ministry of Health and Wellness
Address: 10-16 Grenada Crescent, Kingston 5
Telephone: 876-633-8172, 876-633-7771
Email: info@moh.gov.jm
Website: www.moh.gov.jm
Facebook: themohgovjm
Instagram/X: @themohwgovjm