Leptospirosis: the quiet achiever

Abstract

Leptospirosis is rapidly becoming one of the most frequent causes of human illness and therefore time off work in New Zealand. Leptospirosis is commonly associated with the rural sector and associated animal industries, as animals are the common cause of the disease. It is vastly important to at risk employers as it can have a large economic impact on a business and it is of humanitarian concern because of the serious symptoms and possible permanent damage to humans or possible death. This project set out to find out what leptospirosis is and how it is caused, what is the occurrence of human cases and the spread throughout New Zealand and what financial implications if can have on a business. Also, how it impacts on individuals who contract it and can it be prevented?