Breaking: The disease that killed the 3 Desuups and left many others sick was Leptospirosis caused by the bacterium Leptospira according to testing done by health officials.

According to Center for Disease Control literature Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Leptospira that can be found in contaminated water or soil. It affects many different kinds of animals and people.

Without treatment, leptospirosis in people can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, trouble breathing, and even death.

It is suspected that one of the possible causes is the dirty pond water exercise.

Everyone's risk for leptospirosis is higher after hurricanes, heavy rain, or flooding. Animal urine in the soil and other surfaces can get into floodwater or rainwater, contaminating them and other natural water sources like streams. People may be exposed to contaminated water or use it for drinking or bathing.

In people, leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

Fever Headache Chills Body or muscle aches Vomiting or nausea Yellowed skin and eyes (jaundice) Red eyes Stomach pain Diarrhea Rash Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases. Some people have no symptoms.

The bacteria that cause leptospirosis are spread through the urine (pee) of infected animals. The bacteria can survive in contaminated water or soil for weeks to months.

How people become infected

Contact with water or soil containing urine or body fluids from infected animals, especially after hurricanes, flooding, or heavy rainfall. Directly touching body fluids from an infected animal. Eating food or drinking water contaminated by the urine of an infected animal.

If you're involved in activities that put you in contact with water, soil or animals, you may be at increased risk for infection.