Weil's disease
The symptoms of leptospirosis usually develop suddenly around7 to 14 days after exposure to the leptospira bacteria.
However, it is possible for symptoms to develop from between 2and 30 days after exposure.
About 90% of leptospirosis infections only causemild symptoms, including:
These symptoms usually resolve within five to seven days. However, in about 10% of cases people go on to experience more serious symptoms.
Severeleptospirosis infections are sometimes called Weil's disease. The symptoms of a severe infection usually develop one to three days after the more mild symptoms have passed.
If the condition progresses to a severe infection, it may affect organs, including the brain, liver, kidneys, heartand lungs. This can lead to further symptoms, including:
If left untreated, the infectionmay be lifethreatening, and could lead to brain damage, kidney failure , internal bleeding and loss of lung function.
Leptospirosis is a type of bacterial infection spread by animals. It is caused by a strain of bacteria called leptospira.
The symptoms of leptospirosis usually develop abruptly 7 to 14 days after exposure to the leptospira bacteria.
Leptospirosis is caused by a strain of bacteria called leptospira, which is found in certain animals and can spread to humans.
Leptospirosis is usually treated with a course of antibiotics, although their effectiveness has not been conclusively proven.
Although leptospirosis is rare in the UK, some simple steps can help reduce your chances of developing the condition.