Leptospirosis an additional hazard for adventure seekers
23 February 2010
The recent growth of adventure and ‘eco’ travel means that agricultural workers are no longer the only population group in Australia at risk from leptospirosis, experts say (Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 2010, in press).
More than a third of cases reported to the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis in Brisbane in 2008 were related to international travel or recreation, suggesting leptospirosis was no longer a largely occupational disease, researchers said. Cases acquired internationally were linked to travel in Asia, the Pacific Islands or South America.
Leptospirosis, a common bacterial zoonosis (disease of animals that can be passed on to humans), is contracted through contact with animals (primarily rodents or livestock), poor waste disposal or in flood conditions. It was likely to be an under-recognised cause of fever in returned travellers and could mimic many tropical infections, the authors said.
Last Reviewed: 23 February 2010
- 1. Lau C, Smythe L, Weinstein P. Leptospirosis: an emerging disease in travelers. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 2010, in press, 2010. Abstract available at: http://www.travelmedicinejournal.com/article/S1477-8939(09)00180-X/abstract
