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Leptospirosis

Also called Weil's disease

Leptospirosis is an infection caught from the urine of infected animals, especially rats, cattle and pigs. It can enter the body through cuts, the eyes, nose or mouth, often during water sports, farming or flooding. Most people have mild flu-like symptoms. A severe form, called Weil's disease, can affect the liver, kidneys and lungs.

Last updated Nov 9, 2026

What it is

It is treated with antibiotics. Severe cases need hospital treatment.

Covering cuts, wearing protective clothing and avoiding untreated water reduce the risk.

Common signs

  • High temperature
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain, especially in the calves
  • Red eyes
  • Yellow skin or eyes, and peeing less in severe cases

How it is usually diagnosed

  • Blood and urine tests

Records worth keeping

Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:

  • Test results
  • Kidney and liver function results
  • Hospital discharge letters

Questions to ask your doctor

  • How did I catch it?
  • Are my kidneys or liver affected?
  • How can I protect myself in future?

When to get help right away

Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:

  • Yellow skin or eyes, peeing much less, coughing up blood or breathlessness after possible exposure: 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.

Sources

Related conditions

JaundiceYellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes. It is a sign of a problem with the liver, gallbladder or blood and needs checking.Acute kidney injuryThe kidneys suddenly stop working as well as they should, over hours or days. Often linked to another illness, and often reversible.