An antibiotic such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, penicillin, or erythromycin may be taken orally during the early stages of the disease. Antibiotics are given intravenously for late, severe, or persistent disease. Antibiotics also help to relieve arthritis, although treatment may be needed for up to 3 weeks. Aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve the pain of swollen joints. Fluid that collects in affected joints may be drained, and the use of crutches may be helpful.
Leptospirosis occurs in many wild and domestic animals.
People acquire these infections through contact with the animal or its urine. Although leptospirosis is an occupational disease of farmers and sewer and slaughterhouse workers, most people become infected during such activities as swimming in contaminated water. The 40 to 100 cases reported each year in the United States occur mainly in late summer and early fall. Because leptospirosis typically causes vague flulike symptoms, many cases probably go unreported. Symptoms and Diagnosis People usually develop symptoms within 2 to 20 days of becoming infected with the Leptospira bacteria.