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. Worldwide, rats are the most common source of human infection. 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.
People with leptospirosis are usually quite ill and are often hospitalized. Risk Factors Leptospirosis is primarily an occupational disease that affects farmers, veterinarians, fish workers, dairy farmers, or military personnel or others whose occupation involves contact with animals, especially rats. Leptospirosis is spread mainly by t he urine of infected animals and is generally not transmitted from person to person. Leptospirosis occurs worldwide but is most common in temperate or tropical climates with heavy rainfall. It is a recreational hazard for campers or those who participate in outdoor sports in contaminated areas and has been associated with swimming, and whitewater rafting in contaminated lakes and rivers.