07/29/25 Public Health Education Topic: Leptospirosis

Per CDC

Key points

• Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria. It affects people and animals.

• It's spread in the urine (pee) of infected animals.

• Leptospirosis risk often increases after a hurricane or flood when people have contact with contaminated water or soil.

• If you or your animals may have leptospirosis, see a healthcare provider.

Signs and symptoms

In people, leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Fever

• Headache

• Chills

• Body or muscle aches

• Vomiting or nausea

• Yellowed skin and eyes (jaundice)

• Red eyes

• Stomach pain

• Diarrhea

• Rash

Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases. Some people have no symptoms.

Timing

It generally takes 2-30 days to get sick after having contact with the bacteria that cause leptospirosis. The disease may occur in two phases:

• In the first phase, people may have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhea. The person may feel better for a while but become ill again.

• Some people may suffer a more severe second phase with kidney or liver failure, or inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).

The illness can last from a few days to several weeks. Without treatment, getting better may take several months.

Prevention

Lower your risk of getting leptospirosis

• Don't swim or wade in water that might be contaminated with animal urine, especially after hurricanes, floods, or heavy rainfall.

• Avoid contact with animals that may be infected.

• Cover your cuts or scratches with waterproof bandages.

• Wear waterproof protective clothing, shoes or boots near floodwater or other water or soil that may be contaminated with animal urine.

  
  

Before water recreation activities

If you take part in water recreation activities like swimming, boating, fishing, and adventure racing:

• Research the location you'll be in the water for possible leptospirosis infections for that area. In the United States, check your local health department. If you're traveling internationally, check CDC Travelers' Health.

• Cover scrapes and wounds with waterproof bandaging and wear shoes if leptospirosis or other diseases are known in the area.

  
  

Preventing leptospirosis at work

If you may be exposed as a result of your job, take steps to protect yourself at work. People at risk include veterinarians, veterinary staff, raising farm animals, dairy workers, animal control, butcher or slaughterhouse workers, sewage and sanitation workers, military and first responders.

• Wash hands frequently

• Use personal protective equipment (gloves, footwear, eye protection)

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and equipment

• Vaccinate animals against leptospirosis, and isolate sick animals

• Control the rodent population around your work area

To learn more visit: About Leptospirosis | Leptospirosis | CDC