Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira . In humans it causes a wide range of symptoms, and some infected persons may have no symptoms at all. In rare cases death occurs. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases.
Leptospirosis is confirmed by laboratory testing of a blood or urine sample.
Outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Leptospira organisms have been found in cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, rodents, and wild animals. Humans become infected through contact with water, food, or soil containing urine from these infected animals. This may happen by swallowing contaminated food or water or through skin contact, especially with mucosal surfaces, such as the eyes or nose, or with broken skin. The disease is not known to be spread from person to person.