Health beat: Leptospirosis risk in outdoor activities

People who enjoy outdoor activities such as freshwater kayaking, rafting, canoeing or swimming may be at risk for leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria. These bacteria are carried in the urine of infected animals. If an infected animal urinates in a body of fresh water -- such as a lake, river or stream -- or soil, the disease can live there for weeks to months.

Leptospirosis exists all over the world, but it is more likely to be found in tropical climates. The risk is higher after a hurricane, flood or heavy rain.

How people get it

People may come into close contact with fresh water or damp soil when they participate in outdoor activities. For example, they might accidentally swallow some water while swimming in a lake or have an open cut that gets dirty during a muddy hike.

Participating in activities such as kayaking, canoeing, hiking, climbing and other similar types of outdoor activities can increase the risk of leptospirosis infection. These activities -- sometimes called "adventure racing" -- often involve entering bodies of fresh water and/or contact with soil for long periods of time.

If the water or soil was contaminated with leptospirosis bacteria, that person could be at risk for developing the disease. The bacteria can enter the body through the eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin.

Symptoms

Symptoms may appear anywhere from two days to four weeks after exposure to the bacteria. Many cases result in mild, flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all. When symptoms occur they can include:

* Chills

* Vomiting

* Diarrhea

* Stomach pain

* Rash

More serious cases, however, can cause life-threatening infections in the kidneys, liver, brain, lungs and heart.

How to reduce risk

If outdoor activities will involve fresh water or damp soil, take steps to lower chances of getting leptospirosis.

* Research the area in which you will be spending time outdoors, and be aware of potential risks -- especially if you're going somewhere new on vacation.

* Wear protective clothing and shoes.

* Wait until cuts or scrapes are healed before going into fresh water or damp soil. (If it can't be helped, cover cuts and scrapes with watertight bandages.)

* Try to avoid going under water or swallowing water in lakes, rivers or swamps.

If symptoms develop, be sure to see a doctor. The doctor can do tests and provide treatment.

Health Beat is a weekly spotlight on a wide range of health issues. The information contained here was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. View the CDC features online at cdc.gov/features.