Yes, leptospirosis (lepto) is on the rise, with increasing cases reported in humans and dogs due to factors like climate change, increased flooding, and growing rodent populations in urban areas. Major cities like New York and Chicago have recently reported record or higher-than-expected numbers of infections.

Is there a rise in leptospirosis cases?

Leptospirosis, a resurgent but often neglected zoonotic disease, remains a significant public health burden in the Philippines. The Department of Health (DOH) recorded an alarming 43.4% rise in leptospirosis cases between January and July 2025 (3037 cases) compared to the same period in 2024 (2115 cases) [1,2].

What state has the most leptospirosis?

In the United States, 100-200 cases of leptospirosis are identified annually, with about 50% of the cases occurring in Hawaii.

How common is Lepto in the US?

Leptospirosis is most commonly found in warm and humid climates. Each year, about 100–150 cases of human illness are reported in the United States. People involved in activities that put them in contact with water, soil or animals, may be at increased risk for infection.

What are the first signs of Lepto in humans?

It generally takes 2-30 days to get sick after having contact with the bacteria that cause leptospirosis. The disease may occur in two phases: In the first phase, people may have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhea. The person may feel better for a while but become ill again.

Cases Of Leptospirosis On The Rise

How to avoid getting leptospirosis?

Wear waterproof protective clothing and shoes near water or soil that may be contaminated with animal urine. Keep rodents away by putting food, water, and trash in closed containers, and trapping rodents.

What is the most common reservoir for leptospirosis within the United States?

Rodents are an important reservoir for Leptospira, but most mammals, including dogs, horses, cattle, and swine, and many wildlife and marine animals, can be infected and shed the bacteria in their urine.

Is the dog lepto vaccine being recalled?

Reason for voluntary recall: This product recall for Treidlia Auslepto Vaccine for dogs has been initiated due to reports of adverse reactions associated with batch number BN23-126.

Which dog vaccines are absolutely necessary?

Absolutely necessary dog vaccines (core vaccines) protect against deadly, common diseases and include Rabies, Canine Distemper (D), Adenovirus (Hepatitis - H), Parainfluenza (P), and Parvovirus (P), often combined as DHPP or DAPP, plus Leptospirosis, depending on location/risk. These are essential for all dogs due to the severity and prevalence of these illnesses, with Rabies often legally required.

Can doxycycline prevent leptospirosis?

Prevention measures include avoiding potential sources of infection, administration of prophylaxis for individuals at high risk of exposure, and animal vaccination. Prophylaxis with doxycycline is reasonable for individuals with high likelihood for exposure to leptospires in endemic environments over a defined period.

How many cases of leptospirosis are there in 2025?

Leptospirosis, a resurgent but often neglected zoonotic disease, remains a significant public health burden in the Philippines. The Department of Health (DOH) recorded an alarming 43.4% rise in leptospirosis cases between January and July 2025 (3037 cases) compared to the same period in 2024 (2115 cases) [1,2].

How to get lepto out of yard?

Any areas where the dog has urinated should be disinfected. The organism is readily killed by household disinfectants or dilute bleach solution. Though cats are mammals, they do not generally contract Lepto, nor do they become sick from it like dogs and people.

Do all rats carry leptospirosis?

Rats are known to carry different pathogenic serovars of Leptospira spp. capable of causing disease in humans and animals. Wild rats (Rattus spp.), especially the Norway/brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the black rat (R.

Can mouse droppings make you sick?

Who gets hantavirus disease? Anyone who comes into contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, saliva, nesting materials, or particles from these, can get hantavirus disease. Exposure to poorly ventilated areas with active rodent infestations in households, is the strongest risk factor for infection.

What dogs should not get the Lepto vaccine?

Even though the American Animal Hospital Association recommends vaccination against leptospirosis in some dogs depending on their lifestyle, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine believes all dogs should be vaccinated against leptospirosis, regardless of age, breed, or lifestyle.

What time of year is leptospirosis in dogs?

When do infections usually occur? Most leptospirosis cases are reported from May to January, with spikes from August to October. Owners of infected dogs often report their pet was exposed to puddles, which typically occur following heavy rainfall and may be contaminated with Leptospira.

What kills leptospirosis bacteria?

Leptospirosis bacteria are killed by strong disinfectants like diluted bleach, quaternary ammonium compounds, and hydrogen peroxide, and also by soap, drying, and acidic solutions (vinegar, lemon juice), while antibiotics such as doxycycline, penicillin, and ceftriaxone are used to treat infected humans and animals, with severity dictating IV vs. oral administration.
 

How do dogs transfer Lepto to humans?

The bacteria are spread through the urine of infected animals or people, and can live in polluted water. Some people may get leptospirosis from touching or swallowing water that has these bacteria. People can also get this disease through direct or indirect contact with the infected urine of people or dogs.

What can be mistaken for leptospirosis?

The following diseases should be considered in the differential diagnosis of leptospirosis: influenza, dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever, hanta virus infection, yellow fever and other viral hemorrhagic fevers, rickettsiosis, borreliosis, brucellosis, malaria, pyelonephritis, aseptic meningitis, chemical poisoning, ...

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