Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for Yangon Children's Hospital

Clinical Features

Mild Leptospirosis

Symptoms develop abruptly, 7-14 days after exposure and are mild in ~90% of cases

Typical symptoms

Symptoms are non-specific and include:

  • High temperature, typically 38-40°C (100.4-104°F)

  • Chills

  • Sudden headaches

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Loss of appetite

  • Muscle pain (particularly affecting the muscles in the calves and lower back)

  • Conjunctivitis (irritation and redness of the eyes)

  • Cough

  • Short-lived rash

Severe Leptospirosis

Occurs in ~10% of patients and is a multi-system disease that requires further supportive treatment

May involve:

  • Liver

  • Kidneys

  • Lungs

  • Heart

Typical symptoms

Symptoms include those for mild leptospirosis and may include:

  • Fatigue

  • Anorexia

  • Painful hepatomegaly

  • Jaundice

  • Oliguria

  • Chest pain

  • Palpitations

  • Dyspnoea

If there is cerebral involvement, signs of meningoencephalitis can develop

For example:

  • Confusion

  • Behavior change

  • Seizures

  • Meningism

Patients may progress to respiratory failure with pulmonary haemorrhage (Weil's disease)