Question

Name the organism causing rat fever. Mention the mode of transmission and symptoms of rat fever.

Answer 1

Leptospira is the organism responsible for rat fever or leptospirosis.
Humans can get leptospirosis through direct contact with urine from infected animals or through water, soil or food contaminated with their urine.
The bacteria on reaching the blood, produce certain toxins which lead to symptoms like high fever, headache, bleeding, muscle pain, chills, red eyes and vomiting. In severe cases, the infection can lead to kidney or liver damage and it can be even fatal.