Leptospira infection, or leptospirosis, is extremely rare for humans to contract from animals. It is transmitted primarily by dogs, rats, and farm animals through their urine. They might be carriers even though they don’t necessarily have any symptoms.
Leptospirosis, unlike the flu, is typically uncomfortable but not life-threatening. It rarely persists for more than a week. However, 10% of those who have a severe case of leptospirosis will recover only to fall ill again.
SYMPTOMS
Leptospira infection symptoms often appear within two weeks, though they can occasionally take up to a month or never appear at all.
When the disease does strike, it does so quickly. You’ll become feverish. It might increase to 104 F. Other common signs include:
It’s crucial to get checked because many of these symptoms are shared by other illnesses, such as the flu and meningitis.
DIAGNOSIS
Your doctor performs a quick blood test and looks for antibodies to diagnose a leptospira infection. Your body makes these proteins to fight against germs. The blood test may result in a false positive if you have previously had the disease in your body. To ensure the results are accurate, your doctor will usually do a second test a week later.
A DNA test might be requested by your doctor. It is more accurate but costs more, takes longer, and is still unavailable in many parts of the world. If the bacteria develop in a spinal fluid, blood, or urine culture, the infection can also be found.
TREATMENT
Doxycycline and penicillin are two examples of antibiotics that can be used to cure leptospira infection. Ibuprofen may also be suggested by your doctor if you have a fever or muscle ache. Within a week, the illness ought to have fully recovered.
Nevertheless, if your infection is more serious, you might need to visit the hospital. Meningitis, lung issues, and kidney failure are possible symptoms. In really severe situations, the infection may cause organ damage, and you may need to have antibiotics administered to your body.
Problems can be solved in a variety of ways. Talk to your doctor about your situation.
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