The minor outbreak of leptospirosis sent shiver down the spine of many individuals living in the affected area and also in the surroundings. Certainly it is vital to detect this killer disease before it goes on to damage vital organs such as liver or kidney. A few scattered cases were also found in Pune. Here is some knowledge of the diseases.
Leptospirosis can affect many parts of the body and equally affects both humans and animals.
Of the 100 serotypes of leptospirosis only L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L. hardjo and L. canicola have been shown to cause human disease. 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.