HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini

Leptospirosis

Māuiuitanga huakita leptospira

Leptospirosis is an infection caused by a bacteria (germ) called leptospira. People can catch it from contact with the urine or tissue of an infected animal. They can also catch it from water or soil contaminated with this urine. It often gets in through cuts in a person's skin.

Animals infected with leptospira may be wild (for example, rats, mice, possums and hedgehogs). Or they can be farmed (for example, cattle, pigs and sheep). Even pet dogs can be infected.

Leptospirosis most often affects people who regularly work with animals, such as farm workers, meat handlers and vets. Hunters, people who spend time in the wilderness, and people who do water sports can occasionally get it.

Symptoms of leptospirosis

Symptoms of leptospirosis are a lot like flu symptoms. They include a headache, fever, chills, and sore muscles. Occasionally it can cause a severe illness, with jaundice (yellowing of your skin and eyes) and liver and kidney failure.

Symptoms start between 1 and 4 weeks of getting infected. They can last for a few days or for 3 weeks or longer. Some people may take months to recover.

Diagnosing and treating leptospirosis

If you have symptoms and are at risk, see your general practice team. Blood tests can help confirm the diagnosis.

Leptospirosis is treated is with antibiotics, which cures most infections.

Preventing leptospirosis

You can protect yourself from leptospirosis by being careful in risky environments and not touching animal urine. Ways to take care include:

• covering and cleaning any cuts or scrapes (abrasions) on your skin. Use waterproof dressings, especially before touching soil
• wearing personal protective equipment in high-risk workplaces, such as farms, vets, forests or the bush
• washing your hands after animal contact and before you eat, drink or smoke
• avoiding contact with water that is likely to be contaminated with animal wee (urine).

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

• WorkSafe New Zealand – Leptospirosis

  Information about leptospirosis, including detailed information about prevention.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed May 2025.

Sources

Page reference: 427088

Review key: HILEP-427088