CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Health Lab announced Wednesday that it recently identified an uncommon bacterial infection in a Laramie County dog. Both pets and humans can become sick from the infection, which brings with it symptoms such as high fever, muscle pain and vomiting.
Leptospirosis is a bacteria that can be carried by a number of animals. In summer 2023, Wyoming’s health department tallied a number of cases in dogs as well as one human case. Although Wyoming had cases in summer 2023 and one case so far this year, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention typically documents fewer than 1,000 cases of leptospirosis each year.
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is spread through the urine of infected animals. Among the animals that can carry the bacteria are dogs, horses, pigs, cattle, rodents and a number of wild animals. The bacteria can survive in water and soil for weeks to months. When animals come into contact with contaminated soil or water, they can catch leptospirosis and pass it on. Humans who come into contact with contaminated animal urine or soil or water may also become infected.
Some symptoms in animals include:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Severe weakness
- Stiffness
- Muscle pain
- Inability to have puppies
Leptospirosis can make people ill as well. Certain professions such as farmers, mine workers, sewer workers, slaughterhouse workers, veterinarians, animal caretakers, fish workers, dairy farmers and military personnel are at an increased risk of being exposed to the bacteria. Outdoor activities such as swimming and kayaking in contaminated rivers or lakes have also led to infections, the health department states.
Human symptoms of leptospirosis include:
- High fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Vomiting
- Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
- Red eyes
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Rash
What to do if you or a pet feels ill
Anyone who feels their pet may be showing signs of leptospirosis should contact their veterinarian for testing. In addition, a pet can be vaccinated to prevent and protect against the bacteria. Treatment can be prescribed if necessary.
To avoid contracting the bacteria, residents should keep rodent problems under control around homes and workplace areas. To do so, remove brush, rock piles, junk and cluttered firewood, and keep pets away from rodent droppings to further prevent spread of the bacteria.
Anyone with an infected pet should take precautions like wearing gloves and boots. People should also be sure to wash hands after handling a pet and clean surfaces that may be contaminated with urine using a cleaning solution that is one part bleach to 10 parts water. Pet owners should ensure their animal takes all required medication and follows up with a veterinarian.
It is not uncommon for those who are infected to recover from an initial bout of fever, chills, headache, vomiting and diarrhea and then fall ill again in a short time. Kidney or liver failure or meningitis may result from the second phase of infection if left untreated. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to clear up the infection.
For more health information, visit the health department’s news web page.
