When Did Leptospirosis Start?

It is estimated that one million severe cases of leptospirosis occur every year, causing about 58,900 deaths. The disease is most common in tropical areas of the world but may occur anywhere. Outbreaks may arise after heavy rainfall. The disease was first described by physician Adolf Weil in 1886 in Germany.

When was leptospirosis first discovered?

Leptospirosis (from Greek leptos, meaning "fine," and speira, meaning "a coil") is a zoonosis, which was first discovered as a disease of sewer workers by Landouzy in 1883. However, Adolf Weil of Heidelberg reported the clinical entity of fever, jaundice, hemorrhage, and renal failure in 1886.

Where did leptospirosis originate?

The disease is thought to have originated in Asia. Since leptospirosis does not produce changes in bone, it is not possible to look for evidence of this disease in skeletal remains.