Leptospirosis: Symptoms, cause, treatment and Insurance

One of the most common infections that spread between animals and humans (a zoonotic infection) is leptospirosis. And yet, it’s a name that you hardly ever hear. Leptospirosis in developed countries is about 10-100/1,00,000 cases per year. By that metric, India should be reporting about 0.1-1.0 million cases per year. However, we see less than 10,000 cases being reported annually. Besides the lack of awareness, this under-reporting is also down to a lack of competent diagnostic facilities and clinical expertise. This article aims to shed light on leptospirosis symptoms, causes, treatment, and how you can safeguard yourself. 

What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is an infection caused by the spirochaete bacterium Leptospira and is transmitted through contact with water, soil, or food contaminated by urine from infected animals. These animals range from the typical mammals raised on farms such as cows, buffaloes, horses, pigs, to house pets such as dogs, cats, and even rodents. People living in warm and humid areas prone to flooding – overflowing rivers or heavy rainfall, are especially vulnerable. No coincidence that the southern coastal regions which receive tremendous rainfall also report the most cases in the country. 

Causes of leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is zoonotic, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. Animals can excrete the bacteria in their urine, contaminating the environment.

Common sources of infection:

• Contaminated water: Infected animals’ urine can contaminate water bodies like rivers, lakes, ponds, and floodwaters. Humans can get infected through contact with or drinking this water.
• Contact with infected animals: Direct contact with urine, blood, or tissues of infected animals, common in agricultural and veterinary settings, can spread the bacteria.
• Occupational and recreational risks: Certain jobs like farming, veterinary work, sewer maintenance, and animal handling increase the risk. Recreational activities like swimming, kayaking, and rafting in contaminated waters also pose a risk.

Leptospirosis symptoms

Leptospirosis symptoms usually come in two phases:

• Phase 1 (Mild – Advanced): The flu-like symptoms, which include fever, rash, cough, headaches, and muscle pain, usually begin to surface within two weeks of having contracted the infection. However there are cases where they may not show for up to a month. 

One can also experience advanced leptospirosis symptoms such as jaundice, red eyes, diarrhoea, and meningitis. The patient may have recurrent symptomatic episodes, but can also recover fully.

• Phase 2: (Weil’s disease): This phase of leptospirosis is severe, with liver and kidney failure, haemorrhage, and difficulty in breathing. It can also inflame the heart and the central nervous system. The mortality rate is roughly 11% at this stage.

Leptospirosis treatment

Early diagnosis of leptospirosis is crucial to prevent severe complications and improve outcomes. Symptoms can be nonspecific and similar to other diseases, which is why making a timely and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

• Antibiotics used in leptospirosis treatment

The primary treatment for leptospirosis involves antibiotics, which are most effective when administered early in the course of the disease. Doxycycline, penicillin and its derivatives, such as amoxicillin, are particularly effective against severe cases of the disease.

• Rehydration therapy

Rehydration is critical, especially in cases involving severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Intravenous fluids may be necessary for patients with severe symptoms.

• Dialysis for kidney failure

In severe cases, leptospirosis can cause kidney failure. Dialysis may be required to support kidney function and manage the buildup of toxins in the body.

Preventative measures

Preventing leptospirosis involves a combination of vaccination, protective measures such as wearing waterproof boots and gloves, and hygiene practices like washing hands after handling animals.

Insurance for leptospirosis patients

Inclusions: Most health insurance plans in India cover leptospirosis treatment. This includes hospitalisation expenses, medications, diagnostic tests, and emergency services.

Key insurance features: Important insurance features for leptospirosis treatment include in-patient hospitalisation coverage, out-patient coverage, cashless treatment at network hospitals, and coverage for complications like dialysis. Ambulance charges are often included as well.

Cost: Treatment costs for leptospirosis in India vary widely. Initial consultations and diagnostic tests range from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000. Medications typically cost between ₹500 to ₹2,000. Hospitalisation in private hospitals can range from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 per day, while intensive care can cost ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 per day. Long-term care for complications like chronic kidney disease can add significantly to these costs.

Claim process of leptospirosis health insurance: For cashless claims, select a network hospital, submit a pre-authorisation form, and receive treatment without upfront payment. For reimbursement claims, pay out-of-pocket initially, collect all necessary documents, submit them to the insurer, and receive reimbursement upon approval.

Exclusions: Health insurance plans may have waiting periods for coverage, ranging from 30 days to a few months. Check for specific exclusion and pre-existing conditions.

The need for health insurance for leptospirosis: Health insurance is crucial for agricultural workers, veterinarians, animal handlers, sewage and sanitation workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and residents of flood-prone areas, as they are more susceptible to leptospirosis.

Key Takeaways

Raising awareness about leptospirosis, its symptoms, causes, and treatment, is essential. Consider health insurance for leptospirosis, especially if you are at higher risk. Meanwhile, take preventative measures and good hygiene practices to significantly mitigate the risks associated with this disease. And if you suspect you have leptospirosis symptoms, get yourself checked immediately.