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Leptospirosis (Weil's disease)

Overview

Open all pages about Leptospirosis (Weil's disease)

You can get leptospirosis from infected soil or freshwater (such as rivers or lakes), or from touching blood or flesh of an infected animal.

Symptoms of leptospirosis include a high temperature, headache, tummy ache, feeling or being sick and yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.

Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics and most people get better after a few days or weeks. Some people may need hospital treatment.

Things you can do to avoid getting leptospirosis include washing your hands after handling animals and avoiding water or soil that may be infected.

Leptospirosis, also called Weil's disease, is an infection spread through animal pee. It's rare in the UK.

Page last reviewed: 28/06/2023
Next review due: 28/06/2026