Leptospirosis

Alternative names:

icterohemorrhagic fever; Weil disease

Definition:

A rare bacterial infection caused by leptospira, a spiral-shaped microorganism (spirochete). This microorganism causes a contagious disease with symptoms of bleeding and jaundice. In severe cases, it attacks the respiratory system and sometimes causes victims to drown as blood or fluid fill their lungs.

The disease is usually transmitted through rat urine, but opossum, dogs, and pigs can also carry the bacteria. You don't have to ingest the urine to get the disease; it can pass through your skin. Leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics.