Occupational disease
Occupational leptospirosis
Apr
Leptospira disease is an acute bacterial infection caused by spirochetes belonging to the Leptospiraceae family. It is transmitted among rodents and can accidentally enter the human body through cuts or abrasions.
The disease occurs in many countries worldwide, especially in tropical regions with developed agriculture and livestock farming.
1. What is occupational Leptospira disease?
Occupational Leptospira disease is an infectious disease caused by Leptospira spirochetes during work activities.
The sources of infection come from animals, livestock such as sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, cats, etc., as well as wild animals like bears, leopards, rats, etc. Transmission occurs mainly through the digestive tract, skin, mucous membranes, and especially via respiratory tract by inhaling aerosolized contaminated droplets.
2. Occupations at risk of Leptospira infection
Common occupations and exposure sources:
- Mines, tunnels, pits, sewers, etc.
- Slaughterhouses.
- Veterinarians, livestock farmers.
- Work in swamps, streams, rice fields, ponds, lakes, etc.
- Other occupations exposed to Leptospira spirochetes.
3. Mechanism and causes of Leptospira disease
After entering through the skin and mucous membranes, Leptospira spirochetes reach the bloodstream causing bacteremia, lasting about 5-7 days, corresponding to the onset stage. Then, Leptospira localizes in organs such as the liver, kidneys, meninges, heart, lungs, and adrenal glands, causing damage. This phase lasts 7-8 days, corresponding to the acute stage. Usually from the 8th day, spirochetes are excreted in urine.
Liver damage: causes jaundice due to blood vessel injury supplying liver cells, leading to necrosis and hemolysis caused by spirochete toxins.
Kidney damage: primarily affects renal tubules causing oliguria or anuria, with increased blood urea and creatinine, a main cause of death. Tubule damage is due to hypoxia and the direct effect of Leptospira endotoxins.
Hemorrhage occurs due to toxin-induced vascular damage and partly due to disseminated intravascular coagulation.
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4. Symptoms and impacts of Leptospira disease
Symptoms vary depending on infection severity and individual immunity. Common symptoms include:
- Sudden high fever 39-40°C, chills, continuous or fluctuating fever, rapid pulse, and variable blood pressure.
- Severe muscle pain, spontaneous and tender on palpation, especially in calf, thigh, abdominal, and neck muscles, making walking and deep breathing difficult.
- Fatigue, headache, eye pain, nausea, vomiting. Severe cases may experience lethargy, delirium, and agitation.
- Congested mucous membranes, red eyes with petechiae, possible subconjunctival hemorrhage. Nasal mucosa congestion or nosebleeds may occur. Rash may appear in the first week.
- Marked by polyuria: as temperature decreases, systemic symptoms improve, and recovery occurs. Some cases relapse with milder fever.
5. Complications of Leptospira disease
If untreated, Leptospira can cause severe complications, including:
- Acute kidney failure: oliguria, high blood urea and creatinine, coma due to high urea.
- Acute pulmonary edema.
- Myocarditis and cardiovascular shock.
- Massive organ hemorrhage causing acute anemia, possible disseminated intravascular coagulation.
- Other complications: uveitis, optic neuritis, leading to blindness.
Severe cases may be fatal. Leptospira affects multiple organs, reducing health and quality of life.
6. Protective equipment to prevent occupational Leptospira disease
Workers in agriculture, zoology, rescue, and other high-risk environments should use protective equipment to reduce exposure to Leptospira. Recommended protective equipment includes:
- Gloves when in direct contact with animals to reduce exposure to urine and waste.
- Protective goggles to prevent eye exposure to Leptospira.
- Respiratory masks to reduce infection risk.
- Protective boots or shoes.
- Protective clothing depending on occupation.
Consistent and proper use of protective equipment is an effective way to minimize infection risk.
7. Compensation for workers with Leptospira disease
In Vietnam, workers with Leptospira are compensated under the Social Insurance Law as follows:
- Health insurance covers diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation costs.
- If Leptospira causes disability, workers receive temporary or permanent disability benefits depending on severity.
- Workers requiring special care may receive caregiver allowances.
- If occupational exposure in unsafe working conditions caused the disease, workers may claim workplace improvements and economic compensation.
Workers must provide documentation proving Leptospira infection and comply with health and safety regulations to receive benefits.
8. Treatment of Leptospira disease
Treatment principles:
- Prevent kidney failure with adequate hydration and electrolytes, use diuretics if kidney function declines.
- Use specific antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor.
- Diet and lifestyle adjustments as supportive therapy.
Treatment should be supervised by a specialist for safety and effectiveness.
9. Prevention of occupational Leptospira disease
For sources of infection:
- Early detection and treatment of infected or carrier animals.
- Regular cleaning and disinfection of animal pens and proper waste management.
For transmission factors:
- Protect water, food, and drain swamps.
- Workers in outbreak areas should wear protective clothing (gloves, boots) to avoid skin injuries.
- Use Leptospira vaccines.
10. Enterprise responsibility in preventing Leptospira disease
Enterprises are responsible for ensuring worker and animal safety by implementing policies, procedures, and preventive measures:
- Maintain a clean, well-ventilated workplace to limit insect and animal vectors; regular cleaning and disinfection are effective preventive measures.
- Train employees on Leptospira basics, prevention, detection, and handling of infections.
- Properly vaccinate animals with Leptospira vaccine.
- Investigate and report infections to prevent spread; isolate and destroy contaminated materials.
- Perform occupational environment monitoring and report results regularly to improve workplace safety.
11. National occupational environment monitoring center
Nam Viet Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With experienced monitoring specialists and modern equipment, the center ensures accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
The center also assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “customer-centered,” it ensures client satisfaction and offers the best solutions.
Investing in technology, human resources, and expertise, Nam Viet has become a trusted unit in Ho Chi Minh City for occupational environment monitoring with goals to:
- Prioritize brand reputation and service quality.
- Provide the best and most suitable services for clients.
- Work with experienced MSc and engineers dedicated to environmental protection and business benefit.
- Clients receive professional service and the best cost advantages with Nam Viet Monitoring team.
12. Occupational environment monitoring pricing
To help businesses conduct professional and effective workplace monitoring, Nam Viet provides detailed pricing for monitoring services.
- The pricing table includes costs for measurement, analysis, and reporting, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
- Nam Viet ensures competitive and reasonable pricing and offers prompt, professional consultation.
- Clients can select packages suitable for their needs, with a commitment to high satisfaction and professional quality.
