Leptospirosis

General Information

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. Sickness can range from mild to severe. The sickness is often characterized by the sudden 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 happen more commonly in older people and can result in death.

Leptospirosis fact sheet, P-42068 (PDF)

Leptospirosis information – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Information for Providers

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 (Word) or by other means within 72 hours upon recognition of a case.
• Information on communicable disease reporting

Wisconsin case reporting and public health follow-up guidelines

• Case Reporting and Investigation Protocol (EpiNet): P-01917 Leptospirosis (PDF)
• CDC case report form Leptospirosis

Additional information for clinicians

CDC fact sheet Leptospirosis (PDF)