Sporadic urban leptospirosis

Abstract

Severe leptospirosis (Weil Syndrome) was diagnosed in an otherwise healthy environmental worker in Baltimore alleys in late November 2010. He developed multiple organ failure but responded to antibiotic therapy and experienced a full recovery within 4 weeks. His diagnosis was confirmed by a rise in indirect hemagglutinin titer (acute 0, convalescent 400). The subject had close contact with Baltimore alley rats; a similar epidemiologic exposure and location reported in an outbreak 15 years ago.

Multi-organ failure, weeks after being exposed to murky water – rule out leptospirosis

“…In case 2, the patient had exposure to contaminated water during floods while helping evacuate people. Another case diagnosed with leptospirosis was reported in 2011, after exposure to Baltimore alley rats [ 2 ].…”

THE EVOLUTION of JCHIMP

“…Our first issue had a good example of the value of short publication cycles. A case of leptospirosis presenting to a hospital emergency room in November 2010 was published in our first issue in May 2011 (9). A potential rodent-centered urban zoonosis is news.…”