Examples of leptospirosis

• As the exact chain of transmission of leptospirosis is not known, no permanent measures for the control of leptospirosis could be implemented.

• Seroepidemiological studies, however, suggest that undiagnosed urban leptospirosis may be common in temperate climates.

• It is suspected that many cases of leptospirosis remain undiagnosed because symptoms are often minimal and non-specific.

• The management of an outbreak of leptospirosis following the competition is described in this paper.

• Leptospirosis is one of the most common bacterial zoonoses worldwide.

• Identification of the predominant carrier animal species and reduction in the load of carrier animals is an important component in the control of leptospirosis.

• The presence in the previous year of any symptom related to leptospirosis (fever, jaundice, acholia or choluria) or dengue fever, was also registered.

• Although case numbers among this group were small, forestry-related workers were found in this study to be at increased risk of leptospirosis.

• There were no differences in gender-specific leptospirosis incidence rates among meat processing workers or forestry-related workers.

• Small mammals, predominantly rodents, are one of the principal sources of leptospirosis.

• All suspected cases of leptospirosis attending the outpatient department of these hospitals during the study period were included.

• Patients suspected of leptospirosis who attended three primary health centres were included in the study.

• Swallowing more than one mouthful of water was associated with an increased risk of developing leptospirosis.

• A further objective was to identify potential risk factors related to the occurrence of leptospirosis infection.

• The male leptospirosis incidence is tenfold that of females.