County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Acute Communicable Disease Control
313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 212
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 240-7941
Fax: (213) 482-4856
E-Mail:acdc2@ph.lacounty.gov
Have questions about things like where to go for vaccinations or
other health care
services?
Call 2-1-1.
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Acute Communicable Disease Control
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infection of both humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria called
Leptospira. In humans it causes a wide range of symptoms. Some infected persons may have no
symptoms. Others may have high fever, severe headache, and muscle aches. In severe cases,
people may have jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) from liver failure. Severe disease may also
cause kidney damage and respiratory distress. In rare cases death occurs. Many of these
symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases. Leptospirosis is confirmed by testing of a
blood or urine sample.
Leptospirosis is an infection of both humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria called
Leptospira. In humans it causes a wide range of symptoms. Some infected persons may have no
symptoms. Others may have high fever, severe headache, and muscle aches. In severe cases,
people may have jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) from liver failure. Severe disease may also
cause kidney damage and respiratory distress. In rare cases death occurs. Many of these
symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases. Leptospirosis is confirmed by testing of a
blood or urine sample. 