Leptospirosis is an uncommon bacterial disease caused by a spirochetal bacteria. It is most commonly spread through water, food or soil contaminated by animal urine. For cavers the most likely exposure would come from water in streams and caves. Incubation may vary from as short as 2 days to as long as 4 weeks. It is not spread from person to person. All those exposed may not get ill. However, symptoms may include the sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and vomiting, and may include jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or a rash. In untreated cases it can lead to meningitis, kidney, liver and respiratory failure (Weil’s Disease). Untreated the illness can last 3 weeks to several months. It is usually treated with penicillin or doxyclycline.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Infectious Diseases
| Division of Bacterial & Mycotic
Diseases
1600 Clifton Rd, NE
MS C-09
Atlanta, GA 30333
updated September 2, 1999