Leptospirosis - Are you at risk?

What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is an infection frequently found both in domestic and wild animals, which can spread to humans. Leptospirosis in Ireland is usually picked up from rats, although a milder form can be caught from cattle or dogs. Leptospirosis is a notifiable disease in Ireland.

How is it spread?
The infection is spread through contact with rats, or rat, cattle or dog urine or foetal fluids from cattle.

How might I catch it?
If you are in contact with infected urine the bacteria which causes leptospirosis can get into your body through cuts and scratches and through the lining of the mouth, throat and eyes.

Where might I catch it?
Infected urine or contaminated water can be found in sewers, ditches, ponds, canals and slow-flowing rivers and river banks. Rat urine may also contaminate animal feed stuffs on farms.

Who is at risk of Leptospirosis?
Those who fish, swim or use the water for other recreational purposes, people who engage in outdoor pursuits in contaminated areas, farmers, workers in contact with canal or river water, vets, meat inspectors, butchers, abattoir and sewer workers. Dog owners and those who work with dogs may be at risk if hygiene is inadequate. Recent cases have occurred in golfers who have been infected while retrieving golf balls from stagnant pools.

High risk water includes stagnant, dirty-looking or obviously polluted fresh water found in ditches, drains, ponds, lakes or rivers. Sea water poses very little risk.

What are the symptoms?
The majority of people have a flu-like illness, with a persistent and severe headache. A few people can develop meningitis and occasionally it can develop into the severe form (Weil's Disease) with liver and kidney failure. This can be fatal in a small proportion of cases.

What precautions should I take?

• Do not go swimming or boating in water which is obviously polluted
• Cover any cuts or abrasions with a waterproof dressing while swimming or canoeing
• Shower thoroughly following water activities
• Make sure the sporting clothing you wear minimises your contact with water
• Wash your hands after handling any animal or contaminated clothing and always before eating, drinking or smoking
• Clean any cuts acquired during swimming, fishing or other near-water activities. Apply first aid as soon as possible
• Rinsing dogs who have been swimming in high risk water reduces the risk of infection
• High risk workers should always wear their personal protective equipment and clothing at all times when in high risk situations
• If you get a flu-like illness within a three week period after engaging in any of these activities you should visit your doctor immediately, and tell her or him of your concerns and possible exposure to dirty or stagnant water.

Last reviewed: 30th June 2010