How is leptospirosis transmitted and how is it treated?

Surroundings: Humans most often become infected after exposure to environmental sources, such as animal urine, contaminated water or soil, or infected animal tissue. Portals of entry include cuts or abraded skin, mucous membranes or conjunctiva. The vast majority of infections with leptospira are self-limiting. Although penicillins, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, and Erythromycin have antileptospiral activity.

Leptospirosis: Treatment. Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics, such as doxycycline or penicillin, which should be given early in the course of the disease. Intravenous antibiotics may be required for persons with more severe symptoms. Persons with symptoms suggestive of leptospirosis should contact a health care provider.

Leptospirosis: is caused when a bacterium called Leptospira interrogans which is stored in animals kidneys is released through their urine. It contaminates soil or water. If you drank infected water you could become infected. It can also enter your body through breaks in your skin, your nose, mouth & genitals. In rare cases it has been passed through breastfeeding and sex. See other answers for treatment.