Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Leptospira. It is spread by domestic and wild animals, particularly rats. Humans can become infected through skin contact with water, wet soil or vegetation that is contaminated with the urine of animals carrying the bacteria.
In the Northern Territory (NT), the Fogg Dam / Harrison Dam area outside of Darwin is home to a large population of the native ‘dusky rat’ (Rattus colletti), and people are known to have become infected in this area.
Notifiable disease
Leptospirosis is a notifiable disease.
Information for health professionals
| Type | Resource | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Document | Leptospirosis fact sheet PDF (160.0 KB) | NT Health |
| Tropical Health Orientation Manual for health practitioners in Northern Australia | Leptospirosis | Centre for Remote Health |
Information for the public
| Type | Resource | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Webpage | Leptospirosis | NT Government |
| Webpage | Leptospirosis | Health direct |
Contact
Contact the Public Health Unit’s Centre for Disease Control.
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