Signs And Symptoms Of Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis, also known as rat fever, is caused by bacteria known as leptospira. This disease is usually transmitted from animals to humans by bacteria in urine and other bodily fluids. Transmission doesn't have to happen directly; it can also come through food or water contaminated by animal urine. Floodwater can also spread leptospira to large numbers of humans. Animals that typically host leptospira include rodents, cows, dogs, pigs, and horses. Generally, animals are not affected by this bacteria. For humans, however, it can cause a wide range of problems. Untreated leptospirosis can lead to a host of disorders, including kidney disease and meningitis.