Weil's disease
Leptospirosis is usually treated with a course of antibiotics, although their effectiveness has not been conclusively proven.
Most cases of leptospirosis are mild andare treated with a five to seven-day course of antibiotic tablets. Penicillin oratetracycline antibiotic called doxycycline are the preferred choices.
It's importantto finish the course of antibiotics, even if you are feeling better. This is because stopping treatment before all of the bacteria have been killed may trigger theinfection to return.
Painkillers such as paracetamol and Painkillers, ibuprofen are available over the counter andcan be used to help relieve symptoms such as a headache, a high temperature, and muscle pain.
If you develop a more severe leptospirosis infection, you will need to beadmitted to hospital. The underlying infection will be treated with antibiotics injected directly into the bloodstream (intravenously).
If your organshave been damaged, the functions of your body may need to be supported. For example, you may need:
Some people may be well enough to leave hospital within a few weeks, while others may require several months of hospital care. It depends on how well you respond to antibiotics and the extent of any organ damage.
It's difficult to predict how a leptospirosis infection will affect pregnancy. In some cases, the infection can spread to the unborn child and be fatal.
If you develop the symptoms of leptospirosis during pregnancy (even mild symptoms), you may be admitted to hospital so you can be monitored.
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.