Leptospirosis ● The disease has been called “ili jwara” in Kan | UPSC SUPER SIMPLIFIED

Leptospirosis
● The disease has been called “ili jwara” in Kannada and “eli pani” in Malayalam, both meaning “rat fever”.

●This usage has fed a common belief that rats are the sole cause of the disease, which is not true. Leptospirosis has a spectrum of reservoir hosts, including pigs, cattle, water buffaloes, goats, dogs, horses and sheep.
● Humans become part of the cycle when they come in direct contact with urine or indirectly, through soil and water that contain leptospira bacteria.

A person is more likely to contract leptospirosis if they have cuts or abrasions on their skin.

● Animals exhibit a variety of clinical symptoms and indications.