Health officials in Miranda State are reporting the first case of leptospirosis in a patient from the municipality of Cristóbal Rojas, according to an El Universal report Monday (computer translated).

The patient presented with symptoms of severe fever, malaise, jaundice and muscle aches. The patient has been treated at a hospital in the region and according to the Miranda health director, “The patient underwent treatment and is out of danger.”

 

Image/CDC
Image/CDC

It is believed the patient contracted the disease through contaminated water consumed. “In areas where communities live in extreme poverty, no treated water and probably the liquid had feces and urine of rats, in which travels the leptospira bacteria that causes disease,” the health director said. In addition, at least 10 others with similar symptoms are being evaluated.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. In humans, it can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be mistaken for other diseases. Some infectedpersons, however, may have no symptoms at all. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page

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.

Humans can become infected through:

  • contact with urine (or other body fluids, except saliva) from infected animals
  • contact with water, soil, or food contaminated with the urine of infected animals.

The bacteria can enter the body through skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth), especially if the skin is broken from a cut or scratch. Drinking contaminated water can also cause infection. Outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to contaminated water, such as floodwaters. Person to person transmission is rare.