Know the causes, symptoms, and stay safe from leptospirosis this monsoon

Leptospirosis, which is endemic to most areas where dengue virus has been transmitted, needs a higher degree of suspicion to diagnose and may be mistaken for dengue in the early stages. Symptoms can vary from mild illness to multiorgan involvement and is characterised with fever with chills, headache and body ache, nausea-vomiting, congestion and redness in the eyes, with the more severe form showing features of Frank jaundice.

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Phases: 

Symptoms can vary from mild illness to multiorgan involvement and is characterised with fever with chills, headache, body ache, nausea-vomiting, redness in the eyes. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

*The first phase usually occurs five to 14 days after exposure to contaminated source with an abrupt onset of symptoms like pain in the muscles, eyes and headaches, followed by high fever and cold. The redness of the eyes appears first and other symptoms seem to increase gradually. The patient may recover transiently but become ill again.

*If the second phase occurs, it is usually more severe with involvement of the liver or kidney failure and Meningitis. This phase can last from a few days to few weeks, or longer.

Prevention: 

Ensure that you wash your hands with soap and water after handling animals and animal products.
(Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

*Ensure that you keep your surroundings clean and dry
*Controlling the rodent population
*Avoid wading or swimming in water that might be contaminated with urine of infected animals
*Avoiding touching infected animals with bare hands
*Wash hands with soap and water after handling animals and animal products
*Cleaning wounds as soon as possible and cover them with waterproof dressings
*People exposed to contaminated water due to their jobs (e.g. farming/ animal husbandry) or those associated with recreational water sports, must wear protective clothing and footwear
*Take steps to prevents exposure of pets to contaminated water

Standard treatment:

Prophylactic treatment with drugs is recommended for those exposed to contaminated water during monsoons, depending upon the degree of risk exposure within 24-72 hours after contact. One should consult his/ her local or family physician for further guidance.

Preventive measures:

Vaccines, due to being specific for a particular strain of bacteria, do not offer a widespread protection as there are over 200 strains of these bacteria.

“A high index of suspicion with a detailed history of exposure to contaminated water is to be taken of suspected patients. However, the prognosis is generally good in majority of cases; complicated cases can be life-threatening if it is not treated promptly. As much as possible, try to stay away off from stepping into dirty water and if it is un-avoidable, take a shower immediately once you reach home,” advises Dr Nabar.