NewsDesk @bactiman63

According to a tweet by the Israel Ministry of Health last week, two additional clinical cases of leptospirosis have been detected.

State of Israel
Israel/CIA

Following an epidemiological investigation, it has been revealed that both patients had visited swimming sites in northern Israel: one at Nahal Zaki (Golan) in early June and the other one at the Sahne (Gan Hashlosha National Park).

Since the beginning of 2022, a total of 3 leptospirosis cases have been found related to exposure to water sources in the north of the country.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease. People (and animals) can get infected when they are exposed to the urine of infected animals. They can also get infected from water, soil, or food contaminated with infected animal urine. Leptospirosis bacteria can enter the body through skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).

To reduce your individual risk, it is important to understand that exposure to animals, soil, mud, and floodwaters during work or recreational activities increases your risk of infection.

Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, jaundice (yellow eyes and skin), red eyes, and skin rash. Without treatment, leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.

Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics.