Leptospirosis is an infection of bacterial origin which commonly spreads through contact with urine of animals such as cattle, rodents, dogs, other domestic and wild animals that are infected by but may show no symptoms of the disease.

Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria which can spread to humans through the urine of infected animals. Infection can occur when eyes, mucous membranes, open wounds or skin lesions come in contact with animal urine.

Humans infected with leptospirosis generally do not transmit the disease to other people. However, it can spread from animals to humans through their urine.

Onset of symptoms occurs between 2 days and 4 weeks after infection. Commonly seen symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes, etc. In some individuals, symptoms may be mistaken for other diseases whereas some patients may be asymptomatic.

Leptospirosis can be easily prevented by wearing protective clothing when dealing with contaminated soil or water, vaccinating pets and regular pest control to get rid of rodents. Individuals should refrain from coming in contact with infected animals or wading through water that could possibly contain urine of animals.