Leptospira

Leptospira is an organism that causes a disease called leptospirosis or Wells’ or swineherds’ Disease.

How does a person become infected?

Transmission to humans is usually by contact with infected urine and kidneys. Pigs are the main carriers of leptospira in livestock, although cattle and deer can also carry this organism. Wild animals such as possums, hedgehogs and rats can also carry leptospira. Cross-infection between humans is unknown.

Signs and symptoms of the illness

Leptospirosis is characterised in humans by: headaches, fever, aches and pains in limbs, chills and often jaundice and nausea. Many people think they have had a bad bout of flu. Symptoms may last several days to a few weeks and often longer. The diagnosis can only be confirmed by blood tests, so see your doctor if you think you have been infected. Early diagnosis and treatment will prevent permanent complications to the blood, kidneys and liver.

Preventative measures

• Good personal hygiene (particularly the faces of those with moustaches or beards).
• Protect workers in hazardous occupations by wearing appropriate gloves, boots and aprons.
• Cover cuts, scratches and abrasions with waterproof plasters and replace with fresh ones after work.
• Never enter cow sheds or pig sites in bare feet or jandels.
• Consult your vet about a vaccination programme for your stock.
• Don’t run pigs, cattle and deer together.
• Keep recreational water areas free from contamination by infected animals.
• Control rodents.

It is important that you do not donate blood if you have had the disease in the last year.

Summary

• Leptospirosis is also known as Wells’ or swineherds’ disease.
• Transmission to humans is usually by contact with infected urine and kidneys.
• Pigs are the main carriers of leptospira in livestock, although cattle and deer can also carry this organism.
• The main symptoms are: headaches, fever, aches and pains in limbs, chills and often jaundice and nausea.
• The diagnosis can only be confirmed by blood tests, so see your doctor if you think you have been infected.
• Early diagnosis and treatment will prevent permanent complications to the blood, kidneys and liver.

More information

For more information about leptospirosis, please contact your doctor, or a health protection officer from the Health Protection Unit (telephone (07) 838 2569).

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