About Miranda Szopinska, M.D. Expertise I can answer any questions relating to the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. I
am a medical doctor with a background in pathobiology and bacteriology. I currently work
in diagnostics, and specialize in the identification and treatment of serious illnesses. I
have spent time in China working with epidemiologists researching SARS. I am fluent in
English, Polish, Spanish, Mandarin, and Hindi.
Experience I am a medical doctor with a background in pathobiology and bacteriology. I currently work in diagnostics, and specialize in the identification and treatment of serious illnesses. I have spent time in China working with epidemiologists researching SARS.
Education/Credentials I have an MD and PhD of Medicine from Northwestern University, as well as a Master's Degree in bacteriology from Poznan University of Medical Sciences.
Expert: Miranda Szopinska, M.D. Date: 12/23/2007 Subject: Curious if this could be something
Question a week ago my brother had breif flu like symptoms including vomiting once, but said he since feels better and has resumed work duties and so on.
Starting a few days ago, my mom and I came down with flu like symptoms, that didn't include vomiting like he did.
We both have talked about severe stomach cramping as if we really have to go diarrhea and may not make it to the bathroom, we both have Diarrhea, sometimes I felt as if I had a fever, my mom had the oposite, she had the chills.
The first night I was ill I had a severe migrane that has since gone away.
I have no appetite, and haven't eaten more than soda crackers and 7up since getting sick 5 days ago. Occassionally I feel better, but I still have a small bout of stomach cramping and Diarrhea. I don't have a fever as I'm typing this... just a small headache, and I don't feel exactly fatigued, but I have been sleeping more than usual, and I have some minor body aches that can also be associated with the flu.
My biggest concern is I've come in contact with mouse urine when We trapped 4 house mice last week. One mouse died, but it was possible it was from stress of being in the trap for 24 hours, or eating the posion that was downstairs before making it upstairs and into the trap. The other mice were healthy when they were released.
(We were using live traps upstairs because I have a puppy and posion in the basement where they were coming from).
My question is... while rare, is it possible I have Leptospirosis or Hantavirus? Should I be concerned enough to see a doctor after the holidays?
Thanks
Andrea
Answer Andrea,
Despite your contact with animal urine, it's probably not Leptospirosis, as Leptospirosis infections outside of tropical areas usually don't occur this time of year. Also, a distinct sign of Leptospirosis is jaundice, which you haven't mentioned having. It is even less likely that you have Hantavirus, although that is a possibility. Still, there are a variety of conditions you could have, and it certainly sounds serious enough to see a doctor. You should do so as soon as possible to avoid severe dehydration. I can't diagnose any illnesses through this website (not only would I not have enough information, but it also isn't ethical), so if I were you, I'd see a doctor as soon as possible. Urgent care facilities are usually open during the holidays, so if you feel very bad, you could go to one of them (or the ER). Otherwise, see your primary physician as soon as you are able. If it's a virus, there's not much they can do, but at least after having tests, you'll know what you have. If it's a bacterial infection, you can get the antibiotics you need to feel better. Either way, get lots of rest, drink as much water as you feel you can, and I hope you feel better!
