Leptospirosis can affect many parts of the body. Infected wild and domestic animals pass leptospirosis-causing bacteria in their urine. People get leptospirosis by contact with fresh water, wet soil, or vegetation that has been contaminated by the urine of infected animals. Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics. To prevent leptospirosis, minimize contact with fresh water and mud that might be contaminated with the urine of infected animals.
Leptospirosis is a potentially serious illness that can affect many parts of the body.
Leptospirosis-causing bacteria are common worldwide, especially in tropical countries with heavy rainfall. Infected rodents and other wild and domestic animals pass the bacteria in their urine. The bacteria can live for a long time in fresh water, damp soil, vegetation, and mud. Flooding after heavy rainfall helps spread the bacteria in the environment. People get leptospirosis by contact with fresh water, damp soil, or vegetation contaminated by the urine of infected animals.