5 November 2026
NT Health is urging Territorians to take precautions against leptospirosis following the death of a woman in her 30s from the serious bacterial infection.
The woman, from a remote community in the Top End, died at Royal Darwin Hospital on 28 October 2026 after developing a rapid infection from leptospirosis. She also had underlying health conditions.
The woman is believed to have contracted the infection while hunting near a billabong in a remote Top End community.
NT Health issued a public health alert in October following an increase in cases. There have been 11 cases of leptospirosis in the Northern Territory this year, with four people requiring admission to an intensive care unit.
NT Health is reminding Territorians that leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection caused by Leptospira bacteria. It is spread through contact with water, mud or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, including wild pigs, rats and cattle.
The bacteria can enter the body through cuts or grazes in the skin, or through splashes to the eyes, nose and mouth.
People who hunt, muster, bushwalk or work with animals need to remain vigilant, particularly when undertaking activities around billabongs, waterways and other environments where infected animals may be present
Increased areas of exposure include Fogg Dam/Harrison Dam, Oenpelli, Finniss River, and Tippery Station. Rural Darwin, Katherine and Arnhem Land have also been identified, particularly areas around water and flooding events.
Symptoms of leptospirosis can include:
Sudden fever and headacheSevere muscle pain, particularly in the legs and lower backChillsRed, sore or bloodshot eyesDiarrhoea and vomiting.
Territorians who develop these symptoms after potential exposure should seek urgent medical attention at their nearest clinic or hospital. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.
There are several simple steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection:
Avoid wading through potentially contaminated waterCover cuts and wounds with waterproof dressingsWear protective clothing, including boots and gloves, when hunting or working in potentially contaminated environmentsWash thoroughly with soap and water after contact with animals, animal carcasses, mud or potentially contaminated water
