Dangers To Sportsman -- Leptospirosis

Of all the nasty little "bugs" this critter has to be one of the worst. Its the most widespread of all the contemporary zoonoses and it encompasses every means a microorganism can make you suffer.

Lepto, as it is sometimes called is spread by direct contact with blood, urine or tissue containing the infective microorganism. Its been found in raccoons, possums, fox, nutrias, beavers, muskrats, and bobcats. Exposure is possible by contact with contaminated water, such as when setting traps, fishing, washing hands in streams etc.

Symptoms of Leptospirosis include fever, muscle pain, pinkeye-like inflammation around the eyelids, nausea, diarrhea and , occasionally, jaundice. Risk, once infected, include the potential for liver, heart and muscle damage, pneumonia and meningitis, an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain

Other symptoms include chills, stiffness, especially in the neck, fever, a severe an persistent headache, pain behind the eyes, weight loss, confusion, sweating, vomiting, a productive cough, breathing difficulty and chest pain. In severe cases, mortality rates can be as high as 30%.

Treatment for Lepto is simple, antibiotics. Prevention sounds a whole lot easier.!!! 

Larry C. Reese
Email me at:  larry@wildlifeartistry.com
Visit my web site at: Wildlife Artistry Taxidermy

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