Leptospirosis flood information - HE2966

Leptospirosis (lepto) is a bacterial infection caused by contact with the urine (wee) of rodents, livestock, and domestic and wild animals, or contaminated floodwaters or soil. It can get into your body through cuts in the skin, and your eyes, mouth, and nose. The risk of lepto increases after flooding and continues for several months.

Symptoms include

Fever, headaches, body aches, stomach pain, nausea/vomiting, diarrhoea, red eyes, cough, rash and jaundice

• Stay out of floodwaters where possible.
• Wear protective gear - closed shoes/boots, waterproof clothing, and gloves (eye protection and masks if available).
• Clean & cover cuts/scratches - wash with clean water and soap and cover with a waterproof bandage.
• Always wash hands - after contact with animals, floodwater, soil, building materials or other items contaminated by animal urine.
• Rodents multiply with flooding - keep food, animal feed, and rubbish in closed containers. Use traps, wear gloves when disposing of dead rodents, and wash hands.

Seek help early for symptoms of lepto to prevent longer or more severe illness. Lepto can get worse without treatment and in some cases has caused death. 

If you develop lepto symptoms, contact your GP, healthcare provider or call Healthline for free on 0800 611 116 and tell them you have had contact with floodwater or animals.