Notes from the field: investigation of leptospirosis underreporting - Puerto Rico, 2010.
Leptospirosis, a zoonosis transmitted through contact with the urine of infected animals, either directly or through exposure to contaminated water or soil, is a frequent cause of acute febrile illness (AFI) and can be difficult to distinguish from dengue in areas where both are endemic. Approximately 5%-10% of patients with leptospirosis are affected severely; the case-fatality rate in those with severe disease is 5%-15%. Early identification of leptospirosis cases and early administration of penicillin G or doxycycline can reduce the duration and severity of illness.
D000820:Animal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D000818:Animals; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000592:standards; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003715:Dengue / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007922:Leptospirosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019221:Mandatory Reporting; D010820:Physicians; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D011647:Puerto Rico / Q000453:epidemiology; D018634:Veterinarians; D015047:Zoonoses