Leptospirosis Cases Rise During Rainy Season, Can Cause Death

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Leptospirosis, also known as rat urine, experienced an increase in cases in early 2026. This situation may be due to the ongoing rainy season, which increases the risk of direct transmission.

Leptospirosis cases occur almost worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, with more than 1 million cases reported annually and 60,000 deaths. In Indonesia, Ministry of Health data shows an increasing trend in leptospirosis cases in various regions from July to August 2025.

Central Java was the province with the highest number of cases, reaching 1,014, followed by the Special Region of Yogyakarta with 703 cases. Furthermore, East Java recorded 487 cases, West Java 220 cases, Banten 149 cases, and Jakarta 39 cases as of July 2025.

Noviantoro Sunarko Putro, an internal medicine specialist at the Gadjah Mada University Academic Hospital, stated that leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease most often transmitted from animals to humans. This disease is caused by the bacteria Leptospira interrogans, which infects not only rats but also other mammals, such as cats, dogs, cows, pigs, goats, and sheep.

"The Leptospira interrogans bacteria can survive in the rat bladder for months and is excreted in the urine, potentially transmitting the infection to the environment for a long time," he said in a written statement on Thursday, February 12, 2025.

Noviantoro said the symptoms of leptospirosis are difficult to recognize because they resemble common infectious diseases, and most cases are mild, such as fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches. However, the muscle pain in leptospirosis is characteristic, especially in the calf, back, and abdominal muscles.

In more severe cases, leptospirosis is characterized by three main conditions: bleeding, yellowing of the body due to liver damage, and acute kidney failure, which causes reduced urine production. "As a result, toxins that should be excreted through urine accumulate in the body and poison the body," said Koko.

Leptospira interrogans bacteria are transmitted through broken skin and mucous membranes, such as the eyelids and oral cavity. These bacteria can survive for long periods in moist environments and stagnant water, such as gutters, ponds, slow-flowing rivers, and other bodies of water, even for months.

This makes the rainy season a major risk factor for leptospira transmission. Therefore, Noviantoro recommends that people avoid contact with stagnant water and use personal protective equipment, such as gloves and boots, when at risk of exposure.

Noviantoro also emphasized the importance of following a doctor's advice if a patient experiences severe symptoms of leptospirosis. Information from the patient is crucial, especially regarding their history of environmental exposure and cases of leptospirosis in the surrounding environment. This is crucial because, clinically and through laboratory tests, leptospirosis is often difficult to distinguish from other diseases such as dengue fever and typhus.

"This is not entirely wrong as long as the patient remains under close observation. Dengue fever can cause death in the first few weeks, while leptospirosis can occur in the second week or later," he said.

Noviantoro urged the public to maintain environmental cleanliness and avoid exposure to stagnant water, considering that humans cannot control where animals like rats urinate. He also reminded the public not to panic if they experience or find a family member exhibiting symptoms of leptospirosis.

He advised them to immediately seek medical attention and follow all medical advice. "With proper treatment, including intensive care if necessary, the chance of recovery remains high as long as the critical phase can be overcome," Noviantoro said.

Read: Leptospirosis Cases Surge in Philippines, India Amid Heavy Rains

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