Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is caused by exposure to several types of the Leptospira bacteria, which can be found in fresh water that has been contaminated by animal urine. Causing a wide range of symptoms among humans, the disease is often mistaken for other diseases. On 30 May 2013, a student from UiTM Shah Alam had died as a result of Leptospirosis. OSH FKE website gives information about leptospirosis in oder to give awareness to a student and staff of FKE UiTM Shah Alam about the dangers of leptospirosis.
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Types of Leptospirosis
There are two main types of Leptospirosis:
1) Mild Leptospirosis - the patient experiences muscle pains, chills and possibly a headache. 90% of cases are of this type.
2) Severe Leptospirosis - can be life-threatening. There is a risk of organ failure and internal hemorrhaging.
This occurs when the bacterium infects the kidneys, liver and other major organs. Experts are not sure why some patients develop the severe form people who are very ill, such as those with pneumonia, young children under five, and elderly individuals are more likely to suffer from severe Leptospirosis.
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Infection of Leptospirosis
Leptospira, a bacterium, may exist in raccoons, bats, sheep, dogs, mice, rats, horses, cattle, buffaloes, and pigs. They inhabit the animals' kidneys and are expelled when they urinate, and infect the soil or water supplies. Contamination can persist in soil or water for months. People can become infected by:
1) Drinking contaminated water
2) Coming into contact with contaminated water or soil if they have unhealed cuts in their skin
3) Their eyes, nose or mouth come into contact with contaminated water or soil
4) Coming into contact with the blood of an infected animal (less common).
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Symptoms of Leptospirosis
Humans are considered to be a dead-end or accidental host of Leptospires. Infection may be aquired by direct or indirect contact with affected urine, tissues, or secretions. Leptospires enter the body through cut or damaged skin, but may also pass across damaged or intact mucous membranes, and the eyes. In humans, Leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms and symptoms can take 2 - 26 days (average 10 days) to develop, including:
1) High fever
2) Headache
3) Chills
4) Muscle aches
5) Vomiting
6) Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
7) Red eyes
8) Abdominal Pain
9) Diarrhea
10) Rash.
Treatment of Leptospirosis
Medications to treat leptospirosis include:
1) Ampicillin
2) Ceftriaxone
3) Doxycycline
4) Penicillin.
Complicated or serious cases may need supportive care or treatment in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU). There are two ways that the brain can be affected:
1) The outer layer of the brain becomes infected (meningitis)
2) The brain tissue becomes infected (encephalitis).
Both types of brain infection cause similar symptoms, including:
1) A high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or above
2) Nausea and vomiting
3) Changes in mental state, such as confusion
4) Drowsiness or disorientation
5) Uncharacteristic behaviour, such as being unusually aggressive
6) Seizures (fits)
7) Aversion to bright lights (photophobia)
8) Inability to speak
9) Inability to control physical movements
10) Stiff neck.
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If left untreated, the infection may cause brain damage and can be fatal. To prevent leptospirosis, avoid areas of stagnant water, especially in tropical climates. If you are exposed to a high risk area, taking doxycycline or amoxicillin may decrease your risk of developing this disease. Those who are in contact with animals, or potentially contaminated water or soil should make sure wear protective clothing and comply with local or national rules and regulations; this may involve wearing gloves, masks, boots and/or goggles. In areas where leptospirosis is common, do not swim in fresh water, and only come into contact with fresh water areas if you are wearing protecting clothing. Drink sealed bottled water, or boiled fresh water. Make sure any skin lesions are covered in a waterproof dressing.
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