# A Life-Threatening Case of Severe Leptospirosis in Wales, UK: Recognising Severe Disease in Non-endemic Settings

## TL;DR

A severe case of leptospirosis in the UK highlights the importance of recognizing this rare disease in non-endemic regions.

## Contribution

This case report emphasizes clinician awareness of leptospirosis in non-endemic settings like the UK.

## Key findings

- Leptospirosis can present with severe symptoms such as jaundice and acute renal failure.
- The case involved a 54-year-old male who deteriorated rapidly despite initial treatment for sepsis.
- The rarity of leptospirosis in the UK underscores the need for increased diagnostic awareness.

## Abstract

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that is uncommonly seen in the United Kingdom. It is typically associated with occupational exposure among sewage workers, farmers, veterinarians and abattoir employees. The illness is known by other terms such as seven-day fever, haemorrhagic fever and Weil’s disease. The prevalence of leptospirosis outside of the United Kingdom is well documented, however it remains relatively uncommon to be encountered in hospitals inside the UK. While the majority of cases encountered are mild, severe disease with jaundice and acute renal failure has been described, highlighting the importance of clinician awareness in non-endemic settings.

We summarise the case of a 54-year-old male with a two-week history of malaise, fevers and oliguria who was initially treated for sepsis of unknown origin. The patient rapidly deteriorated and was admitted to ITU for haemofiltration whilst further investigations took place to establish a diagnosis.