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.
No active Leptospirosis reports in Rhode Island right now.
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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.
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
Local health department information and state-specific prevention guidance
Our AI-powered surveillance continuously monitors Leptospirosis activity across Rhode Island. We track data from state health departments, local hospitals, CDC reports, and 50+ global health sources to provide early warning of emerging threats.
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For official state health alerts, vaccination locations, and public health guidance specific to Rhode Island, visit your state health department's website.
Whether you live in Rhode Island or are traveling there, knowing the symptoms, timeline, and when to seek care helps you act quickly if exposure occurs.
Seek care if you experience severe dehydration, bloody stools, high fever, or symptoms lasting more than 3 days. Children under 5, adults over 65, and immunocompromised individuals should seek care earlier.
Emergency symptoms: Severe dehydration, inability to keep fluids down for 12 or more hours, or neurological symptoms require emergency care.
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Trusted information from leading health organizations
Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
View CDC Resources →Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization
View WHO Resources →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: 2026-07-18
No confirmed cases reported in Rhode Island yet. Here are the latest Leptospirosis reports from our global surveillance network.
This event envelope includes reports on leptospirosis clusters and outbreaks in American Samoa. *Source: BEACON* - [View Full Report](https://beaconbio.org/en/event/?eventid=d1ebbeda-7708-42a7-8d65-8a94904a16f3)
This event folder reports on leptospirosis cases in Greece. *Source: BEACON* - [View Full Report](https://beaconbio.org/en/event/?eventid=3cedbb37-1260-4715-9880-239c84c2c8e6)
With more rain forecast, the BMC has issued precautions against a bacterial infection that can enter the body through cuts or exposed skin. With heavy monsoon rainfall leading to waterlogging across parts of Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reminded resid…
This event envelope contains reports on leptospirosis in Réunion. *Source: BEACON* - [View Full Report](https://beaconbio.org/en/event/?eventid=2b29a555-a87c-44d4-86f8-93fc0e3c97f1)
This event envelope contains reports on leptospirosis in Malaysia. *Source: BEACON* - [View Full Report](https://beaconbio.org/en/event/?eventid=bed8438f-d2af-40fb-a2e7-86b190817548)
This event envelope contains reports on leptospirosis in Dominican Republic. *Source: BEACON* - [View Full Report](https://beaconbio.org/en/event/?eventid=2ecb72e8-06f8-4ee8-90a0-a69ad108605a)
This event envelope contains reports on leptospirosis in French Polynesia. *Source: BEACON* - [View Full Report](https://beaconbio.org/en/event/?eventid=59e857e4-c53e-4291-9c31-22d3a0c1442e)
A deadly rat-borne disease outbreak in Berkeley has claimed its first human victim in more than a decade -- and health officials say the shocking case involved an RV so overrun with rodents that nearly 200 rats had to be removed before the vehicle was destroyed. Berkeley officia…
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