Leptospirosis Prevention at Home During Monsoon

Each monsoon, flooded streets and waterlogged compounds bring a quieter risk: leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can spread through water and soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, including rats. It is preventable, and a few sensible habits reduce the risk.

This guide is general health information, not medical advice. If you are unwell, see a doctor.

The short answer

Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria that infected animals, particularly rodents, shed in their urine. People can be infected when contaminated water or soil touches broken skin, or the eyes, nose or mouth, which is why wading through floodwater is a recognised risk. To reduce the risk at home, control rats, avoid contact with floodwater and wear protective footwear when you cannot, cover cuts, wash and dry thoroughly after exposure, store food and water safely, keep the home and compound clean, and see a doctor promptly if you develop fever, muscle pain or other symptoms after exposure.

How it spreads

• Urine from infected animals, including rats, contaminates water and wet soil.
• Bacteria can enter through cuts, broken skin, and the eyes, nose or mouth.
• Risk is higher during and after floods and in waterlogged areas.
• Contaminated food and water can also spread it.

Symptoms to know

• Sudden fever and chills.
• Headache and severe muscle pain, particularly in the calves.
• Red eyes.
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
• In more serious cases, yellowing of the skin and eyes, reduced urine or breathing difficulty.

Symptoms can appear within days to a few weeks after exposure. See a doctor promptly, and tell them about any contact with floodwater or rats.

Prevention at home

1. Control rats: Remove food and waste, seal entry points and get professional help for infestations.
2. Avoid floodwater: Do not wade through floodwater unless necessary.
3. Protect yourself: If you must, wear waterproof boots or gloves, and cover cuts and wounds with waterproof dressings.
4. Wash after exposure: Wash hands, feet and skin with soap and clean water and dry properly.
5. Keep food and water safe: Cover food, drink clean or boiled water and avoid food touched by floodwater.
6. Clean flood-affected areas: Wear gloves and boots, disinfect surfaces and dry the home well.
7. Keep the compound tidy: Clear waste and standing water.

Children and pets

• Keep children from playing in floodwater and puddles.
• Pets can also be affected. Ask a veterinarian about prevention.

When to see a doctor

If you have fever or muscle pain after exposure to floodwater or rats, see a doctor early. Early treatment is important.

When to call a professional

For rats around your home, call a pest control professional to treat and proof the property. In apartments, coordinate with the society.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get it from touching a rat?

The main risk is contaminated water and soil, but avoid contact and wash well.

Is it only a monsoon risk?

It is highest with floods and wet conditions, but possible at other times.

Is it treatable?

Yes, with medical care, particularly if caught early.

Do I need to avoid all puddles?

Avoid contact with dirty standing water, especially with cuts.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on rodent control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full rodent control guide for Bangalore.