Leptospirosis

Q: I’ve heard there are some dangers with swimming at Talafofo Falls. Are there some diseases I might catch from swimming in fresh water?

A: We usually think of typhoons as the main concern at this time of the year, but there is another killer lurking in the rainy season and its name is “leptospirosis.” While swimming is a great way to stay in shape and is an enjoyable way to spend a hot day, there are some risks involved in swimming at Talafofo Falls, Susupe Lake, or other freshwater bodies. Generally speaking, if you swim in a pool or the ocean, you greatly decrease the risk that you might be exposed to the cause of leptospirosis, which is found at times in fresh water.

Generally speaking, leptospirosis is caused if you are exposed to water that is contaminated with urine from animals that carry a type of bacteria known as leptospira. These bacteria can be found in cattle, pigs, horses, various wild animals, rats and even dogs.

The leptospira bacteria are found worldwide. However, they are most common in temperate and tropical climates. Farm ponds and any open water near domesticated animals are particularly susceptible to infestation by the bacteria.

If a pool of water is in fact contaminated with leptrospira, contracting the disease can occur rather easily. Humans can become infected by swallowing contaminated water or even through skin contact with contaminated water, particularly if a person has a cut. (The disease does not spread from person to person.)

There is a rather significant delay between the time a person is exposed to the leptrospira and the onset of symptoms of the disease. Because of the lag, leptospirosis oftentimes is difficult to diagnose. The disease can only be confirmed through blood or urine tests.

A person infected with the bacteria can experience a wide range of symptoms that can leave a person feeling downright miserable. These include severe headaches, high fever, muscle aches, chills and vomiting. It feels like a really bad flu. As the disease advances, a person may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, jaundice and rashes. Left untreated, a person with leptospirosis can end up suffering severe kidney damage, liver failure, respiratory problems and even meningitis. Fortunately, death rarely occurs.

The symptoms of the disease, if treated, can last from a few days to three weeks. Without medical intervention, the illness can last for several months. Treatment of the disease involves taking antibiotics. If you think that you might have been exposed to the leptrospira, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

You can greatly reduce exposure to the leptospira bacteria by not swimming in areas that might be contaminated with animal urine. Additionally, protective clothing, including footwear, will work to reduce your risk of exposure.

(David Khorram, MD is a board certified ophthalmologist, and director of Marianas Eye Institute. Questions and comments are welcome. Call 235-9090 or email eye@vzpacifica.net. Copyright © 2005 David Khorram.)