People handling animals and working on farms warned of disease risk

It has seen five cases recorded at Metro South which include Redlands, Logan and Beaudesert hospitals.

This year, Queensland has recorded 78 cases of leptospirosis across the state compared to 41 cases at the same time last year.

This is a 70 per cent increase compared with the five-year mean (year to date).

In 2020, a total of 81 cases were recorded, and 56 cases in 2019.

Farm workers and those working with animals or swimming in creeks, rivers or dams contaminated with animal urine are most impacted.

Campers, gardeners, bushwalkers and water sport enthusiasts also can be at risk.

Queensland Health spokesperson Professor Keith McNeil said leptospirosis was caused by Leptospira bacteria, which was found in urine from infected animals including rats, mice, cattle, pigs and dogs.

"Leptospirosis is a notifiable condition that is most common in tropical and subtropical areas like northern Queensland and it can potentially cause serious illness," Professor McNeil said.

"Cases tend to increase in the warmer months due to the corresponding wet season.

"The bacteria can enter the body through skin cuts or abrasions or through the lining of the mouth, nose, and eyes by exposure to water, soil or mud contaminated with the urine from infected animals.

"Agriculture workers are most at risk such as those working with animals or cane or banana farm workers, but it can also be caused by drinking or swimming in creeks, rivers or lakes contaminated by the urine of infected animals. Water affected by heavy rain or flooding are especially risky.

"That means people who participate in camping, gardening, bushwalking and water sport pursuits can also be at risk of infection as they may have contact with contaminated water, soil or mud during these activities.

"There are many different strains of the Leptospira bacteria, so it's possible to be infected with leptospirosis multiple times," he said.

Professor McNeil said the rise in cases has coincided with an increase in rodent activity and flooding events this year, with a marked increase in cases compared to the same time last year in Cairns and Hinterland and Darling Downs regions.

"As the wet season ends and we move into the cooler dry season, we would expect to see less cases of leptospirosis based on previous year trends," he said.

Professor McNeil said symptoms of leptospirosis might include fever, severe headache, muscle aches, chills, vomiting, and red eyes, and usually develop after five to 14 days following infection.

"Symptoms can be similar to the flu so often it can be difficult to recognise and can be mistaken for other diseases.

"While leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics, early diagnosis is still the key.

"Serious disease such as meningitis, kidney failure, bleeding and respiratory complications can develop from leptospirosis infection if it's not treated promptly, so it's important to see your doctor immediately if you suspect you have had exposure to contaminated water, soil or mud, and develop these symptoms within a week or two," he said.

Professor McNeil said there were several measures people can take to protect themselves from infection.

"If you work with animals, make sure you cover cuts and abrasions with waterproof dressing, wear protective clothing such as gloves and boots, shower after work, wash and dry hands frequently, and do not eat or smoke when handling animals," he said.

Other safety tips to reduce the risk of leptospirosis: