Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis or rodent fever has several other alternative names such as Canefield Fever, Canicola Fever, Field Fever, Mud Fever, Seven Day Fever, Spirochetosis, and Swineherd Disease. The variant terminologies have risen from the fact that different places have different transmitting agents based on their environment. The condition may present several clinical manifestations, only a few, or even absolutely no symptoms at all. General symptoms include very high fever, headache, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, and chills.

Leptospirosis can be found commonly among field workers (such as those working in farms, slaughterhouses, refugee camps, and military areas) in constant contact with farm/wild animals and from constant exposure to rodents.

A spirochete bacterium called Leptospira interrogans infects these animals, most commonly rodents. The infected animals in turn contaminate water, soil, crops, and food through their saliva, and body wastes.

Blood and urine tests need to be performed in order to diagnose and confirm Leptospirosis. Kidney damage, liver failure, respiratory issues, and meningitis are severe complications that may arise if the condition remains untreated for long. In many cases Leptospirosis has been reported to be fatal too.

What can you do?

• Keep your surroundings clean and hygienic.
• Get regular pest control done and keep measures in place to prevent rodent infestations.
• If your profession requires you to spend a lot of time in environments infested with rodents, take essential precautions such as wearing masks, aprons/coats, gloves, and a cap.
• Get regular health checkups and do not ignore symptoms.