Hospital sets perfect record tackling deadly tropical disease
FNQ Health
Cairns Hospital clinicians have achieved a flawless 10-year record of successfully treating patients with leptospirosis, a potentially deadly tropical disease.
A new decade-long study has revealed that even the most severe cases of leptospirosis - a life threatening bacterial infection - can be effectively treated using modern critical care practices.
Leptospirosis is caused by contact with the urine of infected animals such as rats, mice, cattle, pigs, or native animals like bandicoots, as well as contaminated soil or water.
Far North Queensland has the highest rate of leptospirosis in Australia, with the disease diagnosed more commonly in agricultural workers.
Symptoms can include fever, severe headache, muscle aches, vomiting, and red or bloodshot eyes. In severe cases, the infection can involve the lungs, liver, kidneys, and heart, leading to multi-organ failure and even death.
The study reviewed 60 patients admitted to Cairns Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with confirmed leptospirosis between 2015 and 2025. Despite their potentially fatal illness, all the patients were safely discharged from the hospital and were able to return home.
Cairns Hospital ICU Clinical Director Dr Cath Tacon described the results as extraordinary.
“The fatality rate of severe leptospirosis in countries with fewer resources can exceed 50 per cent, but this is the first ever series to describe a 100 per cent survival rate in cases requiring ICU care,” Dr Tacon said.
The patients in the study were managed using modern principles of sepsis management, with 80 per cent requiring blood pressure support, 27 per cent needing mechanical ventilation, and 20 per cent requiring dialysis.
Dr Tacon said the findings highlight the strength of Australia’s healthcare system in managing even the most critical cases.
“Leptospirosis can be life-threatening and can affect young people without any pre-existing health conditions,” she said.
“However, this study demonstrates that with early recognition and, where necessary, prompt transfer for specialist care, we can achieve excellent outcomes.”
Study co-author Dr Josh Hanson emphasised the seriousness of the disease and its potential impact, even in high-income countries.
“Leptospirosis is not just a disease of poorer countries,” Dr Hanson said.
“It can also have devastating effects in high-income countries like Australia, particularly in wet tropical regions where the risk of exposure is greater.
“However, this study shows that local health workers are familiar with leptospirosis and are able to recognise it promptly and deliver optimal care.
“We hope that the management principles that we outlined in this research can be used in other parts of the world where leptospirosis is encountered and where deaths are more common.”
Study co-author Dr Simon Smith said prevention remains the most effective tool in combating leptospirosis.
“Preventing leptospirosis starts with education and awareness,” Dr Smith said.
“Simple measures like avoiding contact with floodwaters and ensuring workers at risk of exposure are wearing protective clothing can significantly reduce the risk of infection.”