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Leptospirosis in Washington
State
DOH receives 0 to 5 reports of leptospirosis per
year. Some of the cases are related to recreational water
exposure in other countries, but there have been cases
exposed in Washington. In Washington, reservoirs include
both wild and domestic animals. Leptospirosis has also
been diagnosed in dogs in Washington. No human illness has
been linked to the reported animal infections in Washington.
Purpose of Reporting and
Surveillance
- To better understand the
epidemiology of leptospirosis in Washington State.
- To identify sources of infection (e.g., animals or
contaminated water) and educate people about how to reduce
their risk of infection.
Legal Reporting Requirements
- Health care providers: notifiable to local health
jurisdiction within 3 work days.
- Hospitals: notifiable to local health jurisdiction
within 3 work days.
- Laboratories: no requirements for reporting.
- Local health jurisdictions: notifiable to the Washington
State Department of Health (DOH) Communicable Disease
Epidemiology Section (CDES) within 7 days of case
investigation completion or summary information required
within 21 days.
- Veterinarians: notifiable
to Washington State Department of Agriculture or to the
local health jurisdiction.
Last
update
July 2008 |
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