What it is
Symptoms usually start 1 to 8 weeks after contact. In Europe, it most often affects the kidneys.
There is no specific cure, but hospital care can support the kidneys and lungs. Avoiding rodent contact and wetting dusty areas before cleaning reduce the risk.
Common signs
- High temperature and chills
- Headache and aching muscles
- Tummy or back pain
- Peeing less than usual
- Shortness of breath with the lung type
How it is usually diagnosed
- Blood tests
- Kidney function and urine tests
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Blood and urine test results
- Kidney function results
- Hospital discharge letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- Could my kidneys be affected long-term?
- How did I catch it?
- How can I avoid it in future?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Difficulty breathing, or peeing much less than usual after possible contact with rodents: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.