This zoonosis with worldwide distribution occurs seasonally in countries with a humid subtropical or tropical climate. It is often linked to occupation, sometimes in outbreaks. Feral and domestic animal species may serve as sources of infection with one of the Leptospira serovars. The course of disease in humans ranges from mild to lethal. Leptospirosis is probably underreported in many countries because of difficult clinical diagnosis and lack of diagnostic laboratory services.
Surveillance provides the basis for intervention strategies in human or veterinary public health.
Other common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, arthralgia. A case that is compatible with the clinical description. A suspected case that is confirmed in a competent laboratory. Leptospirosis is difficult to diagnose clinically in areas where diseases with symptoms similar to those of leptospirosis occur frequently. All cases must be investigated.