Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic (transmitted from animals to
humans) disease of worldwide distribution that is quite uncommon in
Wisconsin. It is caused by several strains of a bacterium called Leptospira. Illness can range from mild to severe. The illness is often
characterized by the abrupt onset of fever, chills, myalgias, and
headache and may include conjunctivitis, abdominal pain, vomiting,
diarrhea, and skin rashes. Less frequently, it can result in meningitis,
liver and kidney dysfunction, pulmonary involvement, and mental
confusion. Severe cases occur more commonly in older persons and can
result in death.
General information
Leptospirosis
fact sheet (PDF, 15 KB) Hmong (PDF,
17 KB) Spanish (PDF,
48 KB)
Information for health professionals
This is a Wisconsin Disease Surveillance Category II disease:
Report to
the patient's local public health department electronically, through the Wisconsin
Electronic Disease Surveillance System
(WEDSS), by mail or fax using an Acute and Communicable Disease Case
Report F-44151 (PDF,
167 KB) or by other means within 72 hours upon recognition of a
case. DHS
Communicable Disease Reporting
Wisconsin case reporting
and public health follow-up guidelines: Leptospirosis
EpiNet (PDF, 39 KB)
Contacts
Wisconsin
Local Health Departments - Regional offices - Tribal agencies
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Last Revised:
June 13, 2012 |
