Leptospirosis is an infection caused by bacteria called Leptospira, which people can catch through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals. The signs of leptospirosis can vary widely, ranging from very mild symptoms to severe illness affecting multiple organs.
The early symptoms usually appear within about 5 to 14 days after exposure, though they can show up anywhere from 2 to 30 days later. At first, many people experience flu-like symptoms such as a sudden high fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches. These symptoms can feel quite general and might include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and sometimes a cough. Muscle pain is often intense, especially in the calf muscles, and some people also report pain behind the eyes (retroorbital pain) and lower back pain. Another distinctive early sign can be redness and swelling of the eyes, known as conjunctival suffusion, where the blood vessels around the corneas become congested and the eyes look red and puffy.
After this initial phase, some people may feel better for a few days, but then the illness can worsen or return with more serious symptoms. This second phase can involve different organs and lead to complications. When the liver, kidneys, or heart are affected, symptoms might include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes), swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles, fatigue, weight loss, decreased urination, shortness of breath, and a rapid heartbeat. The liver may become painful and swollen.
If the brain becomes involved, neurological symptoms can develop. These include a very high fever, neck stiffness or pain, drowsiness, confusion, seizures, difficulty speaking or controlling movements, aggressive behavior, and sensitivity to light (photophobia). Lung involvement can cause severe breathing difficulties, coughing up blood, and high fever.
Other symptoms that may be present include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, and general weakness or lethargy. In some cases, the infection can progress to a severe form called Weil’s disease, which is characterized by jaundice, kidney failure, bleeding, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Because leptospirosis symptoms overlap with many other illnesses, it can be challenging to diagnose based on symptoms alone. The presence of muscle pain in the calves, red eyes without pus, and a history of exposure to contaminated water or animals can be important clues.
In summary, the signs of leptospirosis start with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches (especially in the calves), nausea, vomiting, and red eyes. If the disease progresses, it can cause jaundice, kidney problems, lung issues, neurological symptoms, and severe systemic illness. Recognizing these signs early is crucial for timely treatment and preventing serious complications.
