 |
|
Diseases A-Z
Leptospirosis
| Leptospirosis info |
| Leptospirosis home |
|
|
On this page
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. In humans it causes a wide range of symptoms, and some infected persons may have no symptoms at all. Symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and vomiting, and may include jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or a rash. If the disease is not treated, the patient could develop kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, and respiratory distress. In rare cases death occurs.
More info/links
The CDC fact sheet answers some common questions about leptospirosis.
Disease reporting
Health-care providers and clinical laboratories are required to report cases and suspect cases of leptospirosis to local health departments within one week of identification.
Disease reporting form for health-care practitioners (PDF 42K)
Go to our disease reporting page for information on how to report and for telephone numbers of local health departments.
For county health departments:
For reportable diseases lacking Oregon-specific investigative guidelines or case report forms, please contact the epidemiologist on call for assistance.
Return to top
|
|
