While the whole world is struggling against an outbreak of swine flu, there are other infectious diseases which are transmitted from animals to human beings. People are usually ignorant about these illnesses.

Cases do occur round the year not only in tropical countries but also developed western countries.  In presence of risk factors, they can also occur in large numbers; hence one should know about these diseases and be vigilant.

Leptospirosis is one of these diseases. Rats are important reservoirs of the germs of leptospirosis in nature. Transmission can occur to human beings due to contact with urine, blood or tissue from infected rats. The leptospirae (germs of leptospirosis) can survive in water for months.

Risk factors for acquiring leptospirosis include recreational water activities like swimming or water sports, sewage works or living in areas infested with rats.  Similar to other infections, risk of developing disease depends on amount of infecting germs and resistance of the person.

The spirochaetal organism can enter the body via abrasion in skin or mucosa. This is followed by spread of organism in the entire body via the blood stream. During their course in the body the germs can cause inflammation of blood vessels and damage their walls.

Symptoms usually develop within 2 to 20 days of entry and spread of the organism in the body. There is high grade fever with severe headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pains and swelling. The germs can affect lungs or airways causing cough with blood in expectoration and breathlessness. 

Jaundice develops in majority of cases with severe infection.  The patient may also have redness of eyes, bleeding from nose, bleeding spots on skin.

Death can occur in severe cases due to liver or kidney failure.  While timely treatment can check and clear the infection so that the affected person can regain normal health. 

Leptospirosis should be considered in any person having high grade fever, severe muscle pains, jaundice and other features of systemic infection.

Because of its multiple manifestations the disease can be confused with malaria, viral hepatitis and many other infections.

Diagnosis is confirmed by demonstration of the leptospirae in smears prepared from body fluids or cultures. Specific serological tests also aid in diagnosis. Treatment is by suitable antibiotics.

Thus considering the gravity of the infection it would be prudent to avoid the infection. The first and foremost step is maintaining good personal hygiene and that of the environment.

All fruits, vegetables, meat, e.t.c food items should be washed thoroughly before being consumed. A story has been circulated on internet which I would like to share with others. 

The story was that a woman in Texas went on a boat. On way, she drank a soft drink directly from a can, developed leptospirosis and died.

Reason being that top of the can was contaminated with dried rat urine. The moral of the story is that one should ensure that everything used for food or drink should be clean and hygienic. Any cut or abrasion in the body should be kept covered and attended to avoid infection.

Steps should be taken to keep houses and vicinity free of rats. Floors of houses should be mopped regularly. Any holes in the floor should also be kept covered to prevent entry of rodents in the house.

There is nothing to be afraid of rats but it is prudent to keep a good hygienic distance. Because diseases spread by rats like leptospirosis can play havoc with one’s life.

The author is a specialist in Internal Medicine

E-mail –rachna212002@yahoo.co.uk