occupational health & safety /wsu animal contact program

Leptospirosis

This is a contagious disease of animals and humans due to infection with Leptospira spp. The usual mode of transmission is contact with infected urine or the ingestion of urine-contaminated food or water or through a skin break. Clinical symptoms may be severe, mild or absent and may cause a wide variety of symptoms including fever, jaundice and general discomfort. The disease can usually be treated successfully with antibiotics. Dogs, domestic livestock and wild rats are commonly infected.

For more information about Leptospirosis, follow the link below:
 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Leptospirosis Fact Sheet <http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/leptospirosis_g.htm>

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Last updated on: May 24, 2000
 
 

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Revised
2/22/02
Reviewed
07/25/07