An illness caused by bacteria that spread to humans through contact with the urine of infected animals.

Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria. The bacteria spread to humans through contact with soil or water contaminated by the urine of infected animals. The bacteria also can spread through direct contact with animals.

Leptospirosis symptoms include a high fever and chills with severe headache and muscle pain that starts quickly. Other symptoms include belly pain, digestion problems and sore throat. In some people, the part of the eye that is typically white turns red.

Leptospirosis is sometimes mild. But it can be fatal due to lung damage or damage to liver and kidney function. Leptospirosis is treated with medicines that target bacteria, called antibiotics.