Leptospirosis is a disease which is quite uncommon in Wisconsin. It is caused by several strains of a bacterium called Leptospira. Illness can range from mild to severe . Leptospirosis can cause fever, headache, severe muscle pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal upset. Less frequently, it can result in meningitis, liver and kidney dysfunction, and eye inflammation.
Severe cases occur more commonly in older persons and can result in death.
Their urine can then contaminate water, moist soil, or vegetation with the Leptospira bacterium. Humans can acquire the infection if this contaminated material contacts abraded skin, mucous membranes, or is ingested. Although all persons are susceptible, this uncommon infection occurs mainly in persons whose occupation brings them into contact with animals or with material contaminated with animal urine. Farmers, veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers, sewer workers, and miners are at greater risk of exposure. Although rare, exposures can also occur during recreational activities such as camping or swimming, when there may be contact with or ingestion of contaminated water.