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Leptospirosis Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Leptospirosis is an infection that is spread by animals. The germ lives in the urine of an animal with the infection. People may become infected through: ‚  
  • Contact with urine from an infected animal
  • Drinking and eating water or food with contaminated animal urine in it

This illness may lead to serious health problems if not treated right away. ‚  


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What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Take your drugs as ordered by the doctor.
  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of clean water each day. This will help to avoid fluid loss.
  • Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Fight an infection
  • Lower fever
  • Stop throwing up
  • Help with pain

Will physical activity be limited?


You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Infection in the blood or brain
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Lung problems
  • Death

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • When camping or hiking:
    • Make sure that your drinking water is clean.
    • Use ground pads and covers when sleeping on camping grounds.
    • Put tents in places where there are no rodent droppings.
    • Wear protective footwear or boots when you are going to walk through flood waters, muddy places, or soil where there could be rat urine or feces.
    • Avoid swimming in dirty water or mud puddles.
  • At home:
    • Seal up holes and gaps in your home or garage.
    • Set up traps in and around your home to lessen rodent infestation.
    • Call a pest control center if you have rats or mice in your house.
    • Store grains and other food in ratproof containers.
    • Throw away trash often. Keep waste away from your house.
    • Keep cats as pets to drive away rats.
    • Wash contaminated hard surfaces with bleach or disinfectant mixture.
  • When cleaning an unused cabin, shed, or other building:
    • Open all the doors and windows for 30 minutes before you start.
    • Go back in and spray surfaces, carpet, nests, and other areas with a disinfectant. Let this sit for 30 minutes.
    • Then, start cleaning. Be sure to wear rubber gloves.
    • Wear face masks when cleaning mouse nests and droppings.
  • Avoid any contact with the urine or any body fluid of an animal, especially if you have open wounds or cuts.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
  • Upset stomach and throwing up
  • Confusion or changes in mental status
  • Sensitivity to light
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what changes I need to make with my drugs or activities.
  • I can tell you ways to help prevent this infection.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have fever, confusion, or am sensitive to light.

Where can I learn more?


Better Health Channel ‚  
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Leptospirosis ‚  
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚  
http://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/index.html ‚  
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚  
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/389/viewAbstract ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/leptospirosis/pages/introduction.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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