Weil's disease is a very severe type of leptospirosis. This is a bacterial infection of some kind. It is caused by the bacterium Leptospira.
You can contract it if you come into touch with the urine, blood, or tissue of infected animals or rodents. These might include:
- Cattle
- Pigs
- Dogs
- Rats
It can also be contracted by contact with polluted soil or water.
Leptospirosis usually produces moderate flu-like symptoms including headaches and chills. A more severe response may occur if the germs attack certain organs. These organs are as follows:
- liver
- kidneys
- lungs
- heart
- brain
This is referred to as Weil's illness. It can cause organ failure and death in rare circumstances.
If you have leptospirosis, your doctor will likely prescribe medications to treat it. However, if you acquire Weil's illness, you may need to be admitted to a hospital for further treatment.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WEIL'S DISEASE?
According to the New York State Department of Health, symptoms of leptospirosis generally occur 5 to 14 days after being infected with the Leptospira bacterium. However, symptoms can appear anywhere between 2 and 30 days after infection, with an average of 10 days following initial contact.
Leptospirosis manifests itself in a variety of ways. Your symptoms will be minimal in most cases of leptospirosis. You may, for example, encounter:
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Appetite loss
- Muscle pain
- Headaches
- Cough
Weil's illness, a severe type of leptospirosis, can occur in rare circumstances. Weil's disease symptoms normally appear one to three days after milder leptospirosis symptoms have subsided. Depending on which organs are diseased, the symptoms might differ.
Heart, liver, and kidney
If Leptospira bacteria enter your kidneys, liver, or heart, you may suffer the following symptoms:
- Nausea
- Appetite loss
- Loss of weight
- Fatigue
- Breathing difficulty
- Fast heartbeat
- Ankles, feet, or hands that are swollen
- Liver swelling that is uncomfortable
- Reduced urination
- Jaundice, which is a disorder in which your skin and the white areas of your eyes turn yellow.
Brain
If your brain becomes infected, you may experience the following symptoms:
- High fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Neck stiffness or discomfort
- Seizures
- Incapacity to exert control over your motions
- Difficulty to communicate
- Sensitivity to light
- Drowsiness
- Confused mental state
- Abrasive behavior
Lungs
If your lungs get infected, you may experience the following symptoms:
- High temperature
- Breathing difficulty
- Spitting up blood
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF WEIL'S DISEASE?
Leptospira bacteria cause Weil's illness. If your infection is minor, it is referred to as leptospirosis. Weil's illness occurs when you have a serious infection.
Some agricultural animals, dogs, and rodents are commonly infected with Leptospira bacteria.
You can become infected with the bacteria if your come into touch with:
- Urine, blood, or tissue from a bacteria-carrying mammal
- Polluted water with bacteria
- Soil infected with bacteria
You can potentially develop leptospirosis if you are bitten by an infected animal.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR WEIL'S DISEASE?
Leptospirosis is predominantly a work-related illness. This typically suggests it's work-related. People who operate in close proximity to animals, animal tissues, or animal waste products are the most typically affected.
The following animals are known to transmit leptospirosis to humans:
- Cattle
- Pigs
- Dogs
- Amphibians and reptiles
- Rats and other rodents, which serve as the bacteria's primary reservoir.
People who are more likely to get leptospirosis include:
- Farmers
- Veterinarians
- Bathers in fresh water lakes, rivers, or canals
- Workers in rodent control
- Sewer workers
- Freshwater fishermen
- Butchers and other people who deal with dead animals
- Those who participate in water activities such as swimming, canoeing, rafting, or kayaking
- Soldiers
- Miners
Leptospirosis and Weil's disease are present all throughout the world, however they are more frequent in tropical than temperate zones.
HOW IS WEIL'S DISEASE DIAGNOSED?
It is possible that a mild case of leptospirosis will be difficult to identify. The symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, such as the flu. Because the symptoms of Weil's illness are more severe, it is simpler to diagnose.
Your doctor will most likely begin by obtaining your medical history in order to reach a diagnosis. Inform your doctor if you:
- Have lately been traveling
- Have engaged in water sports
- Have come into contact with a freshwater source
- Have a job that requires you to work with animals or animal goods
If your doctor believes you have leptospirosis or another bacterial illness, blood tests, urine tests, or both may be ordered.
A sample of your blood or urine can be tested for Leptospira bacteria by laboratory personnel. Your doctor may also take imaging studies, such as chest X-rays, and further bloodwork to monitor your liver and kidney function if you have Weil's disease. Scanners and tests can also assist your doctor in determining which of your organs may be affected.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF WEIL'S DISEASE?
Weil's illness, if left untreated, can progress to renal failure, liver failure, or heart failure. It may result in death in rare situations.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you fear you have Weil's disease. Antibiotics should be started as soon as possible to enhance your chances of recovery. Other therapies may be prescribed by your doctor to assist control any issues.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR WEIL'S DISEASE?
The majority of instances of uncomplicated leptospirosis are minor and self-limiting, which means they go away on their own. You may be hospitalized if you are diagnosed with Weil's illness. You will most likely be given antibiotics intravenously in the hospital. This will aid in the removal of the underlying bacterial illness. Penicillin and doxycycline are two of the most often used antibiotics.
Depending on your symptoms and the organs involved, you may possibly receive further therapies. If you have problems breathing, for example, you may be attached to a ventilator. Dialysis may be required if your kidneys have become infected and damaged.
Inquire with your doctor about your diagnosis, treatment strategy, and prognosis.
HOW CAN WEIL'S DISEASE BE PREVENTED?
Vaccines that appear to give some protection against leptospirosis have been produced by scientists. Human vaccines are exclusively accessible in a few countries, including Cuba and France. These vaccinations, however, may only protect against specific strains of Leptospira bacteria and may not confer long-term protection.
In the United States, there is no vaccination available for humans, although vaccines are available for dogs, cattle, and certain other species.
If you work with animals or animal products, you can reduce your risk of infection by wearing the following protective gear:
- Waterproof shoes
- Goggles
- Gloves
To assist avoid the spread of Leptospira germs, you should also practice basic sanitation and rodent control. Rodents are one of the most common vectors of illness.
Avoid standing water and agricultural runoff, and reduce animal contamination of food or food waste.