Punjab CM and AAP leader Bhagwant Mann has been diagnosed with leptospirosis.

According to Dr RK Jaswal, Director and Head of Department of Cardiology, Fortis Hospital Mohali, Punjab CM was has been put on appropriate antibiotics. The doctor said that he is showing improvement.

As per the sources, it is suspected that the Punjab CM got the infection from one of his dogs.

What Is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is an infection caused by bacteria that can affect both humans and animals. It spreads through contaminated soil, water and also transmitted to humans through infected animals.

According to medical reports, the most common source of this infection is contact with the urine of infected animals and/or contaminated soil or water.

Symptoms Of Leptospirosis

People with Leptospirosis have various symptoms, they can flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches (especially in the legs) and red eyes along with vomiting, Diarrhea, abdominal pain, sore throat and cough.

This infection lasts from few days to three weeks, in some patients it can last longer than this. Some people can develop severe symptoms and need to get hospitalised.

Severe symptoms of this disease include jaundice, kidney failure, liver failure, heart disease, bleeding into skin and mucous membranes, breathing problems and Meningitis.

How Does The Infection Spread?

The bacteria from infected animals or environmental sources can enter the body by three main routes:

Direct contact – the bacteria enters through a break in the skin surface or intact mucus membranes, for example, an open wound exposed to contaminated water or soil.

Eating or drinking – for example, ingestion of bacteria by eating contaminated food, or from unwashed contaminated hands.

Inhalation – this includes breathing in aerosolised urine from infected cattle or rats and mice.

Diagnosis Of Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is diagnosed through blood test. Generally Two blood tests are required for its diagnosis.

What Is The Treatment For Leptospirosis?

Treatment of leptospirosis includes taking antibiotics at the earliest to avoid the further development of the disease. There is no vaccine available for use in humans. Based on the level of symptoms, your doctor will advise the course of treatment.

In most cases it’s not life-threatening but the experience can be unpleasant.

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