Leptospirosis

10 Active Outbreaks

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by Leptospira bacteria. It primarily affects animals like rodents and livestock, but humans can become infected through contact with contaminated water or soil. It is most common in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

10
Countries Affected
3,086
Recent Cases (30d)
10
Active Outbreaks
19d ago
Last Updated
📱 iOS App Temporarily Unavailable

We're working with Apple to restore our app to the App Store.

Get notified when it's back:
Email [email protected] (subject: REMINDER) or check back in a few days.

Track in App
Temporarily Unavailable
Track in App View Active Outbreaks

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis was first clinically described in 1886 by Adolf Weil. The causative bacterium, *Leptospira*, was identified in 1907. Historically, it significantly impacted agricultural workers and soldiers due to exposure in contaminated environments.

Symptoms

  • Sudden fever, headache, muscle aches (especially calves), chills, red eyes (conjunctival suffusion), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
  • In severe cases (*Weil's disease*), symptoms can include jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), kidney failure, liver damage, meningitis, and bleeding.

Transmission

Leptospirosis spreads through contact with urine from infected animals (e.g., rodents, cattle, dogs). Humans become infected when contaminated water, soil, or food touches skin abrasions, mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth), or by ingesting contaminated water. Person-to-person spread is rare.

Contagious Period: Varies by disease

Prevention

  • Avoid swimming or wading in freshwater potentially contaminated with animal urine.
  • Wear protective clothing (gloves, boots) when working in contaminated environments.
  • Control rodent populations around homes and workplaces.
  • Vaccinate pets and livestock in endemic areas. Human vaccines are available in some high-risk settings.
  • Drink safe, clean water.

Active Outbreaks & Recent Cases

Real-time intelligence from global health monitoring and AI-powered surveillance

Data sources: BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies

✓ Live data updated in real-time from global health sources

Leptospirosis Surge: Sri Lanka Cases Hit 1800

Sri Lanka 2026-03-12
Active

Leptospirosis is endemic in Sri Lanka, with seasonal peaks during the monsoon periods. Most cases occur in the wet‑zone agricultural districts, particularly among paddy farmers and others with frequent exposure to flooded fields, marshy land, and contaminated surface water. In recent years, around 9000 to 13000 cases were reported each year.

Source: BEACON - View Full Report

500 0
View Details → (App Temporarily Unavailable)

Brazil Flood Fuels Leptospirosis: 41 Cases, One Death

Brazil 2026-03-11
Active

This event envelope contains reports on leptospirosis in Brazil.

Source: BEACON - View Full Report

500 0
View Details → (App Temporarily Unavailable)

Leptospirosis Outbreak in American Samoa: One Death Reported

American Samoa 2026-03-24
Active

This event envelope includes reports on leptospirosis clusters and outbreaks in American Samoa.

Source: BEACON - View Full Report

286 0
View Details → (App Temporarily Unavailable)

Leptospirosis Outbreak in Peru Claims Life, Infects Dozens

Peru 2026-03-16
Active

This event envelope contains reports on leptospirosis clusters and outbreaks in Peru.

Source: BEACON - View Full Report

500 0
View Details → (App Temporarily Unavailable)

Leptospirosis outbreak linked to Malaysian park

Malaysia 2026-05-14
Active

This event envelope contains reports on leptospirosis in Malaysia.

Source: BEACON - View Full Report

159 0
View Details → (App Temporarily Unavailable)

Leptospirosis Outbreak in Punjab Claims Child's Life

India 2026-03-05
Active

Leptospirosis in India is endemic mainly in coastal and high-rainfall states such as Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, with additional transmission reported from other states, and substantial underreporting suspected. A dedicated national guideline and a Program for Prevention and Control of Leptospirosis (PPCL) exist through the National Centre for Disease Control to standardize diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Source: BEACON - View Full Report

500 0
View Details → (App Temporarily Unavailable)

Leptospirosis Outbreak in Réunion: Over 140 Cases, One Death

Réunion 2026-04-22
Active

This event envelope contains reports on leptospirosis in Réunion.

Source: BEACON - View Full Report

175 0
View Details → (App Temporarily Unavailable)

Leptospirosis outbreak in Greece follows floods, one dead

Greece 2026-04-26
Active

This event folder reports on leptospirosis cases in Greece.

Source: BEACON - View Full Report

174 0
View Details → (App Temporarily Unavailable)

Leptospirosis Surges in Dominican Republic After Flooding

Dominican Republic 2026-05-06
Active

This event envelope contains reports on leptospirosis in Dominican Republic.

Source: BEACON - View Full Report

154 0
View Details → (App Temporarily Unavailable)

Leptospirosis Surge Hits French Polynesia Severe Cases Reported

French Polynesia 2026-05-07
Active

This event envelope contains reports on leptospirosis in French Polynesia.

Source: BEACON - View Full Report

138 0
View Details → (App Temporarily Unavailable)
View Live Alerts

Track Leptospirosis and 200+ other diseases with personalized alerts

Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

CDC

Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

View CDC Resources →

WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

View WHO Resources →

Research

Latest peer-reviewed research and clinical studies

View Research →

Medically Reviewed Content

Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-03

Stay Ahead of Leptospirosis Outbreaks

Get real-time alerts and intelligence on Leptospirosis and 200+ other diseases. Used by healthcare systems, EMS, schools, and travelers worldwide.

📱 iOS App Temporarily Unavailable

We're working with Apple to restore our app to the App Store.

Get notified when it's back:
Email [email protected] (subject: REMINDER) or check back in a few days.

Download App
Temporarily Unavailable
Download App Enterprise Solutions