A woman has died after contracting leptospirosis while hunting near a billabong in a remote Top End community.
The patient aged in her 30s, who also had underlying health conditions, is believed to have developed a “rapid infection” from the serious bacterial illness in the West Arnhem region.
NT Health today confirmed the woman died at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) a week ago, just two days after she initially presented with symptoms at a local health clinic.
A teenage girl related to the deceased was also admitted to RDH’s intensive care unit after hunting at the same billabong, an NT Health spokesperson said.
The girl, along with two other people admitted to the hospital for leptospirosis in recent months, have all since been discharged.
NT Health has confirmed 11 people have contracted the illness so far in 2026, up from six recorded cases in the Territory last year.
Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection which can be spread from water, mud or soil contaminated by infected animal urine, mostly after flooding events.
Authorities are urging people to take extra care around NT waterways.
Leptospira bacteria can be picked up through cuts to the skin or splashes to the eyes, nose or mouth, and causes symptoms including sudden fevers, severe muscle pain and bloodshot eyes.
Last month, NT authorities issued a public health alert for the bacterial infection, and identified areas around Fogg Dam, Harrison Dam, Gunbalanya, Finniss River, Tipperary Station, rural Darwin, Katherine and Arnhem Land as places with an increased risk.
People who hunt, muster, bushwalk or interact with animals are being warned to take extra precautions including avoiding wading through potentially contaminated water, covering open wounds and wearing protective clothing.
Early diagnosis and treatment of the illness is critical, with NT Health urging anyone with symptoms to seek urgent medical attention.
Source: www.abc.net.au
