Leptospirosis Symptoms In Humans Nz
Illness usually begins abruptly with fever and other symptoms.
Leptospirosis symptoms in humans nz. The time between a person s exposure to a contaminated source and becoming sick is 2 days to 4 weeks. Leptospirosis may occur in two phases. 2 the incidence of leptospirosis in new zealand fell considerably from 1980 to 2000 2 largely due to the introduction of a livestock vaccine for. Interrogans serovar pomona and l.
It is caused by leptospira bacteria. It can affect almost all mammals and is one of the most common diseases transmitted from animals to humans. Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal infectious disease caused by spirochete bacteria of the genus leptospira. 1 it is the most common occupationally acquired infectious disease in new zealand but can be difficult to recognise and diagnose.
Community and public health cdhb april 2017 for other information about your health and medication go to. Authoritative facts from dermnet new zealand. Leptospirosis weil disease infection due to leptospira spirochaetal jaundice seven day fever cane cutters fever harvest fever japanese autumnal fever queensland fever rice field workers disease. Many different animals both domestic and wild.
Welcome to leptospirosis new zealand. It passes from animals to humans through contaminated water often in tropical areas. From those with a general interest to those with specific needs such as those in farming rural industries veterinary services animal health companies and research. Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria known as leptospira.
A more severe form weil s disease which can cause yellowing of the whites of the eyes or the skin jaundice and liver and kidney failure. Welcome to the leptospirosis new zealand web site which brings together information and news on leptospirosis. The two most common serovars seen worldwide canicola and icterohaemorrhagiae are not considered endemic in new zealand. You get infected through contact with the urine of these animals or water that is contaminated by infected urine.
Leptospira bacteria live in the kidneys of animals such as rats hedgehogs possums or farm animals and are excreted in their urine pee. Isolates seen in new zealand include leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo l. In addition some infected persons may have no symptoms at all. Leptospirosis spreads from animals to humans.
As mentioned above there are two forms of leptospirosis. Human leptospirosis is less likely to be seen where animals have been vaccinated. A mild form causing a flu like illness. Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that can cause severe complications.
The web site is aimed at anyone wanting to know about the disease for any reason.