What is the risk of leptospirosis outbreaks after a disaster?
Outbreaks of leptospirosis are caused by exposure to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals, including rodents, cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, and wild animals; animals may be infected without apparent symptoms. Flooding can increase the risk of disease in animals and humans. Humans become infected through contact with water, food, or soil contaminated with urine from infected animals, or contact with urine or tissues of infected animals. Leptospira, the causative agents of leptospirosis, enter the body through cut or abraded skin and mucous membranes, such as the eyes or nose. Drinking or eating contaminated water or food may also cause infection. The disease is not known to be spread from person to person. Human infection can occur following contact with contaminated waters and persons boating, wading or immersed in the floodwaters may be exposed, including both rescuers and evacuees. Many of these persons have cuts or abrasions that increase the risk for infection.
