About leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Leptospira. It occurs in both humans and animals, and mainly in tropical areas where conditions are humid, such as northern Queensland or south-east Asia.
Disease type:
Zoonoses
Vaccination available under NIP:
No
Notifiable disease:
Yes
Case definitions
Prevention, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Vaccinating animals is an important step in preventing leptospirosis, but there is no vaccine for humans. For information about prevention, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, see healthdirect's leptospirosis page.
Surveillance and reporting
Leptospirosis is a nationally notifiable disease.
We monitor cases through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System.
For more on leptospirosis in Australia, you can search Communicable Diseases Intelligence.
Date last updated: