The bacteria can enter the body if contaminated food or water is swallowed, too. Persons that have leptospirosis usually do not spread it to others. Persons whose work involves handling animals or animal tissues are at higher risk of getting leptospirosis. These occupational groups include farmers, veterinarians, and workers in rice fields, mines, sewer systems, and slaughterhouses. Most infected persons will have a mild to moderate flu-like illness that begins 4 to 19 days following exposure to the bacteria.
Common symptoms are fever, headache, chills, nausea and vomiting, muscle aches, and eye redness.
In some cases, the illness may be more severe and progress to liver damage and jaundice, kidney failure, internal bleeding, or meningitis. Leptospirosis is usually diagnosed by a special blood test. Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics prescribed by a physician. It is best to start treatment as early as possible. Hospitalization and supportive care may be required for more serious cases.