1 Six cases of leptospirosis reported in the greater Darwin region in the past 6 weeks have highlighted hunting as a risk activity for contracting this potentially fatal disease.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can be mild or severe and can cause death.
The disease presents with a variety of symptoms but most commonly with fever, sudden-onset headache, chills, aches and conjunctivitis. Prompt and specific treatment for the disease as early as possible is essential. Leptospirosis is an occupational hazard to those working on the land or with animals and a recreational hazard to bathers, campers and sportsmen in infected areas. All were hunting in bare feet. The third male case lives on a rural block where there are many animals and he is most often barefoot.