People who enjoy outdoor water activities such as freshwater kayaking, rafting, or swimming may be at risk for leptospirosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It is a disease caused by bacteria found in infected animals’ urine.
Because the bacteria lives in freshwater or soil, ingesting water or having an open wound can easily spread the disease. It has the ability to enter the body through the eyes or nose. So, unless you’re wearing protective gear, avoid going underwater if at all possible.
Leptospirosis symptoms can appear anywhere between two and 26 days (on average, 10 days) after being exposed to a contaminated source. Early treatment of leptospirosis is usually successful, and recovery from mild cases is likely.
Many cases have mild, flu-like symptoms or none at all. Symptoms can include the following when they occur:
- The chills
- Vomiting is a condition in which a person vomits.
- Diarrhea is a type of diarrhea.
- Stomach ache
- Rash
Leptospirosis, if left untreated, can cause kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.
To treat the infection, antibiotics such as penicillin are used.
Not only can leptospirosis affect humans, but it can also infect your pet. It was uncommon to see it manifest in pets for many years, but more and more cases are being reported.
Mice can also be infected, so any holes where rodents can enter should be sealed. According to the CDC, mice can fit through a nickel-sized hole. Keep all entry points well sealed to keep them out of your home.
Mice are attracted to crumbs and clutter, so keep your floors clean of food and clean up the clutter of clothes, opened boxes, and paper, which mice love. Peanut butter traps outperform cheese traps because mice cannot remove the substance.
Antibiotics were a fantastic tool for fighting bacterial infections, but more and more bacteria strains are becoming antibiotic-resistant.
Maintaining a healthy immune system is critical in fighting even more common infections, such as ear infections, urinary tract infections, and skin conditions.