 An infectious bacterial disease that occurs in all animals but mostly rodents, dogs, and other mammals and can be transmitted to humans  begin from two to 25 days after initial direct exposure of an infected animal.  The illness typically progresses through two phases: Flu-like symptoms includes headaches, muscle aches, eye pain with bright lights, chills and fever. symptoms seem to improve by the fifth to ninth day.  More serious symptoms are:  inflammation of the nerves to the eyes, brain, spinal column (meningitis), or other nerves.  Right upper area abdominal pain may occur.

 Leptospirosis can be contracted from almost all animals and even insects.  Though it is commonly found in mammals, such as domestic pets and humans. o Leptospirosis is caused by exposure to several types of the Leptospira bacteria. o which can be found in fresh water that has been contaminated by animal urine. o It usually occurs in warmer climates.  It is not usually spread from person to person, except in vary rare cases when it is transmitted through breast milk or from a mother to her unborn child.  But an animal can give it to a human

 Complications include meningitis, extreme fatigue, hearing loss, respiratory distress, azotemia, and can result in renal failure and often liver failure.  Around 10% die from this disease Medications to treat leptospirosis include: Ampicillin Ceftriaxone Doxycycline Penicillin  serious cases may need supportive care or treatment in a hospital intensive care unit.

 It’s rare in the continental United States but Hawaii has the highest number of cases in the United States  Symptoms can take days (average 10 days) to develop  Leptospirosis is considered to be one of the most common zoonotic diseases worldwide.  The tropical and subtropical developing countries are the most common for leptospirosis.  The majority of infections in people are among those who engage in water sports or who experience occupational exposure to wildlife or domestic animal hosts.  Urine is the most important source of leptospiral contamination after acute infection