Spirochete disease spread through animal urine that can cause meningitis, jaundice, anemia, miscarriage, and death. See Leptospira Interrogans Spirochete.Encyclopedia Entry for Leptospirosis :Leptospirosis -Weil's disease- canicola fever- canefield fever- nanukayami fever- 7-day fever- Leptospira interrogans (spiral shaped bacteria)Encyclopedia Entry for Leptospirosis :Leptospirosis. These bacteria can be found in fresh water that has been soiled by animal urine. You may get infected if you come in contact with an infected animal. The infection occurs in warmer climates. Leptospirosis is not spread from person to person, except in very rare cases. Risk factors include: Occupational exposure -- farmers, ranchers, slaughterhouse workers, trappers, veterinarians, loggers, sewer workers, rice field workers, and military personnel Recreational activities -- fresh water swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and trail biking in warm areas Household exposure -- pet dogs, domesticated livestock, rainwater catchment systems, and infected rodents Weil disease is rare in the continental United States. Hawaii has the highest number of cases in the United States.Symptoms can take 2 to 26 days (average 10 days) to develop, and may include: Dry cough Fever Headache Muscle pain Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Shaking chills Less common symptoms include: Abdominal pain Abnormal lung sounds Bone pain Conjunctivitis Enlarged lymph glands Enlarged spleen or liver Joint aches Muscle rigidity Muscle tenderness Skin rash Sore throat.The blood is tested for antibodies to the bacteria. Other tests that may be done: Complete blood count (CBC) Creatine kinase Liver enzymes Urinalysis Blood cultures.Medicines to treat leptospirosis include: Ampicillin Azithromycin Ceftriaxone Cefotaxime Doxycycline Penicillin Complicated or serious cases may need supportive care. You may need treatment in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU).The outlook is generally good. However, a complicated case can be fatal if it is not treated promptly.Complications may include: Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction when penicillin is given Meningitis Severe bleeding.Contact your health care provider if you have any symptoms of, or risk factors for, leptospirosis.Avoid areas of stagnant water, especially in tropical climates. If you are exposed to a high risk area take precaution to avoid infection. You can take doxycycline or amoxicillin to decrease the risk.Weil disease; Icterohemorrhagic fever; Swineherd's disease; Rice-field fever; Cane-cutter fever; Swamp fever; Mud fever; Hemorrhagic jaundice; Stuttgart disease; Canicola fever.Antibodies Antibodies.Haake DA, Levett PN. Leptospira species (leptospirosis).Encyclopedia Entry for Leptospirosis :Leptospirosis. Source of disease: Leptospira species