Guyana Leptospirosis Outbreak 2005
Flooding along the East coast of Guyana has resulted in an increase in reported human cases of leptospirosis. This is being reported widely. A statement issued by the Guyana Medical Association on 04...
View ArticleSoda cans and leptospirosis
EMAILS CLAIMING A RISK OF LEPTOSPIROSIS FROM SODA CANS ARE FAKE. First seen in 2002, these emails are entirely without substance, and have been used to send spam, transport viruses and simply to cause...
View ArticleLeptospirosis prevention after flooding
Natural disaster infection control All cases of freshwater flooding will lead to an increased risk of human leptospirosis, especially those where the areas affected include dwellings and farmland, and...
View ArticleLeptospirosis Infection Rates
Collecting data on leptospirosis prevalence is often difficult. In some countries the infection is nationally notifiable, and so case data is available to researchers. In others it is not, and whilst...
View ArticleThere was a dead rat/etc. in my water tank. What do I do?
Rats and other carrier species accessing domestic water tanks or the reservoirs of untreated springs, either alive or dead, are a significant problem as although the individual probability that an...
View ArticleI think I was exposed to contaminated water – what do I do now?
Of course the most important advice is to go and see your doctor if you start to feel unwell. Early symptoms resemble a cold or flu, with a fever. Remember also that water contaminated with leptospires...
View ArticleCan I catch the infection from my dog/cat/neighbour/wife/etc?
Firstly, the bacteria is water-borne. You cannot catch it from shaking hands, talking to someone, petting an animal, sharing clothes, etc. If you suspect something or someone to be infected, you should...
View ArticleI was infected and treated, and seem to be fine now, but I get headaches/feel...
It could well be connected. There is currently a lot of research being conducted (including by the LIC) into the persistent state of the infection. Humans cannot become carriers in the same way rats...
View ArticleWhat are the chances of catching this infection from my local river/pond/cess...
Obviously this depends on two things – if the water is infected with the bacteria, and if you and said bacteria get in close enough contact. On average in the developed world (Europe, mainland USA,...
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