The Centre for Health Protection is investigating a leptospirosis case involving a 53-year-old man.

He came down with a fever, cough, muscle pain and malaise on November 20. He was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on November 28 and is now in stable condition.

He has no recent travel history and his home contacts have no symptoms.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria leptospira, which can be found in some animals like rodents, cattle, pigs, horses and dogs.

Patients usually show a flu-like illness with high fever, headache, muscle pain, red eyes, sore throat and a rash. In some cases the disease can cause anemia and affect the liver, kidneys, lungs, and other internal organs. The disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics.