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Leptospirosis, also called Weil's disease, is an infection you can get from animals, soil or water. It's rare in the UK.
Leptospirosis is spread in the pee of infected animals, most commonly rats, mice, cows, pigs and dogs.
You can get leptospirosis if:
It's very rare to get leptospirosis from pets, other people or bites.
Most people who get leptospirosis have no symptoms, or mild flu-like symptoms. But some people get seriously ill.
Symptoms of leptospirosis may include:
You might have been exposed to infected pee, water, or soil and have:
You can call 111 or get help from NHS 111 online.
Leptospirosis can often be treated by your GP. You'll usually be given antibiotic tablets to treat the infection. Most people recover in a few days or weeks.
It's important to finish the course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better.
Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve any aches, pains or a high temperature.
If you have severe symptoms, you may need to be treated in hospital.
Leptospirosis is rare in the UK. You have a higher chance of getting it if you do outdoor activities like water sports (especially while abroad in tropical areas), or you work with animals or animal parts.
There are things you can do to reduce your chances of getting leptospirosis.
wash your hands with soap and water after handling animals or animal products
clean any wounds as soon as possible
cover any cuts and grazes with waterproof plasters
wear protective clothing if you're at risk through your job
shower as soon as possible if you've been in potentially infected water
check your dog is vaccinated against leptospirosis (there is no vaccine for people)
do not touch water or soil that may contain animal pee
do not touch dead animals with your bare hands
do not drink water from places like rivers, canals or lakes – always boil or treat it first
