Human leptospirosis: guidance for diagnosis, surveillance and control

Why were these guidelines written?Leptospirosis is a worldwide public health problem.In humid tropical and subtropical areas, where most developing countries are found, it is a greater problem than in those with a temperate climate.The magnitude of the problem in tropical and subtropical regions can be largely attributed to climatic and environmental conditions but also to the great likelihood of contact with a Leptospira-contaminated environment caused by, for example, local agricultural practices and poor housing and waste disposal, all of which give rise to many sources of infection.In countries with temperate climates, in addition to locally acquired leptospirosis, the disease may also be acquired by travellers abroad, and particularly by those visiting the tropics.