Leptospirosis – A Fatal Bacterial Infection

Dr Wali further revealed that globally, around 1 million cases of leptospirosis are reported each year, and 50 per cent of these cases result in death

New Delhi: As Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was hospitalised after he was diagnosed as suffering from leptospirosis, a disease not many are familiar with, a doctor explains how this bacterial infection occurs, its dangers, and the precautions that must be taken.

Explaining how leptospirosis spreads, Dr M Wali, Senior Consultant from the Department of Medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, said that this infectious disease is caused by the bacteria Leptospira, and often spreads to humans through rats.

The infection can occur when food, water, or soil contaminated by animal urine comes into contact with the nose, mouth, eyes, or broken skin, he said.

Regarding the symptoms of this disease, Dr Wali said that in the early stages of leptospirosis, patients may experience flu-like symptoms.

However, in more severe cases, it can lead to internal bleeding and organ damage. Early symptoms include high fever, eye infections or redness, headaches, chills, muscle pain, diarrhoea, and jaundice. In more critical situations, symptoms may include coughing up blood (hemoptysis), chest pain, difficulty breathing, and blood in the urine, all signs of internal bleeding.

Dr Wali further revealed that globally, around 1 million cases of leptospirosis are reported each year, and 50 per cent of these cases result in death.