16 Diseases To Watch Out For At the Beach
Leptospirosis Caused by the bacteria Leptospira typically found in the urine of animals, leptospirosis can be a threat to people who frequent freshwater lakes and rivers. Symptoms can include high fever, jaundice, red eyes, headache, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle aches and stomach pains, and rash. Leptospirosis symptoms can last up to three weeks or even longer. It can be treated with doxycycline or penicillin in the early stages of the disease, but intravenous antibiotics may be required for more serious cases. If left untreated, this illness can cause kidney damage, liver failure, meningitis, respiratory illnesses and even death. The best way to avoid leptospirosis is to avoid swimming after heavy rains, which can wash animal waste into the water.
