Leptospirosis is disease that occurs in animals as well as the human race. It is therefore termed as a zoonotic disease. The causal bacterium known as Leptospira interrogans is believed to enter the body of the host mainly through damaged skin and rarely through mouth or eyes. The disease may also be contracted by consuming contaminated food and water or working in infected farms or fields. |
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The disease is observed commonly in domestic and wild animals such as cattle, hogs, dogs, foxes, squirrels, skunks and rats. Leptospirosis is highly infectious and is transmitted primarily through the urine of the infected animal. The probability of constricting the disease is the highest during seasons of extreme rainfall or in places with stagnant water.
The initial signs of the disease are much generalized such as decreased appetite, giddiness, body pain and fatigue. Therefore, early detection of the disease is a rare possibility. The incubation period of the pathogenic bacterium is about 7 to 14 days, soon after which the signs of the disease become apparent in the form of fever with chills, headache, giddiness and muscle ache. These symptoms fade away after 2 weeks but reappear after a break of a few days lasting for 2 to 4 more days before finally receding. In severe circumstances, jaundice and excessive bleeding could also occur. Antibiotics are usually administered towards the treatment of leptospirosis but their effectiveness is influenced by early diagnosis. Prognosis is good except in cases where jaundice takes place. Methods of prevention of leptospirosis include administration of vaccine against the bacteria, maintaining proper hygiene, wearing protective clothing while handling any contaminated matter and refraining from drinking water from unhygienic sources.
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