Causes of Leptospirosis 
Dr Poonam Vira Makhija, Full-time Consultant – General Medicine at Holy Family Hospital in Bandra, says, Leptospirosis is a disease from the Leptospira bacteria. Usually, humans end up being infected by coming into contact with water, soil or mud that is contaminated with the urine of infected animals, which include rats, dogs, cattle or pigs. The bacteria get into the body through cuts or broken skin, or through the eyes, nose or mouth

Effects of Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis may have various effects. Some people might feel only a mild version of the flu or they may become very sick. The infection can spread to many organs of the body if not treated, such as liver, kidneys, lungs and the brain. In extreme cases, it can cause kidney failure, liver damage, meningitis, breathing problems, bleeding and death

Symptoms of Leptospirosis
Many times, leptospirosis can be mistaken for common viral diseases because its symptoms can be very similar. Symptoms include sudden onset of high fever, chills, intense headache, muscle discomfort (especially calves and hips), tiredness, stomach upset, and view of the eyes becoming red.

In some patients, the symptoms may improve at first but then come back to a more severe stage that may cause jaundice, decreased urine output, chest pain, shortness of breath, bleeding, or change in consciousness. All these indicate severe organ involvement and need immediate medical attention.

Never dismiss continued fever after contact with flood water, particularly when in the monsoonal months. When the disease is resolved as soon as it is detected with the help of antibiotics, it can't progress to a life-threatening form. Ideally, anyone who has been exposed to floodwater but has developed a fever in the past few days to weeks should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible

Treatment of Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is cured with antibiotics, and the antibiotic that's used will vary with the severity of the disease. Infections can be treated with oral antibiotics in mild cases and hospitalized, with intravenous antibiotics, and supportive therapy of organ involvement in severe cases. No one should take antibiotics illicitly without asking a doctor's advice! They can be made to rest for the time being, keep them quite hydrated and give Paracetamol for any temperature rise, if necessary, but no medical evaluation would be undertaken until then. People are advised to not use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen until they have been assessed because these drugs might not be appropriate in some infections. If you are suffering from a fever that doesn't break easily, jaundice, decreased urine output, difficulty breathing, confusion, or bleeding, you must get emergency medical attention right away

Why Mumbaikars should be careful 
Mumbai have comparatively higher risk for contracting leptospirosis during rains as the conditions are favorable. The bacteria are spread where there is heavy rainfall, frequent flooding, waterlogging and areas that are overcrowded, drainage systems are old, and there are many rats and mice