1. An infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira, transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated water or animal urine, characterized by fever, muscle pain, and sometimes kidney or liver damage.
Usage: medical term; also called Weil's disease in its severe form

Examples

• Leptospirosis is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions with heavy rainfall.
• Workers in flooded areas are at higher risk of contracting leptospirosis.
• The doctor suspected leptospirosis after the patient reported swimming in contaminated water.
• Symptoms of leptospirosis typically appear between 2 and 30 days after exposure.
• Antibiotics can effectively treat leptospirosis if administered early.
• Rats and other rodents are common carriers of the bacteria that cause leptospirosis.