On October 29, Master - Doctor Tran Huy Nhat (Department of Intensive Care - Anti-Poison, People's Hospital 115) said that the abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan only detected gallbladder sludge. The patient was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and hospitalized for further monitoring. During treatment at the General Surgery Department, the patient was found to have severe shortness of breath, mild jaundice, severe kidney failure, and severe metabolic acidosis.

After taking a detailed medical history, the patient said he worked as a lunch box stamper at a factory in Long An. The water source was pumped from a well, and the patient did not notice any rats or other animals in the work environment.

On the third day after admission, while malaria screening results were negative, conjunctival hemorrhages developed, suggesting a severe leptospirosis. The patient was immediately given intravenous antibiotics. Blood tests for IgG and IgM antibodies confirmed an acute leptospirosis.

Within 7 days, the patient became more alert, and his conjunctivitis and jaundice improved significantly. The patient was successfully extubated and weaned off the ventilator. Unfortunately, the patient's renal function, which had been severely impaired before, did not show any significant improvement.

Leptospirosis - a bacterial infection transmitted from animals (especially rats) to humans

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria leptospira, which is transmitted from animals to humans. It is a common disease in areas with poor sanitation and densely populated urban areas. Leptospirosis can occur at any age and in a variety of environments, but is most common in people at high risk due to exposure to infected environments or animals.

"Leptospirosis is caused by leptospira bacteria. This type of bacteria exists in many animals, especially rats. Rats are the main source of leptospira bacteria and they spread the bacteria through secretions and urine. Humans are infected mainly through contact with water sources or environments containing bacteria from the urine of rats and other animals," said Dr. Huy Nhat.

The disease can be transmitted through broken skin or mucous membranes (e.g. eyes, nose). People at high risk include farmers, hunters, animal caretakers, and people who participate in outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, and hiking.

The incubation period is usually 2 to 26 days. Leptospirosis can range from mild to severe. In severe cases, the disease can lead to complications such as aseptic meningitis, liver failure, kidney failure, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Leptospirosis prevention

According to Dr. Huy, leptospirosis can be prevented by avoiding contact with contaminated water sources or areas at risk of infection. For those working in high-risk environments, protective equipment and thorough personal hygiene should be used.

Specific precautions include:

• Wear gloves and boots when working in contaminated water environments.
• Avoid contact with rainwater, dirty water or stagnant water, especially in areas with rats.
• Clean your body after participating in outdoor activities or working in high-risk areas.
• Keep your living and working areas clean, do not create conditions for rats to breed and actively kill rats.