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Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection spread from water, mud, or soil contaminated by infected animal urine, mostly after flooding events. NT authorities issued a public health alert last month identifying areas around Fogg Dam, Harrison Dam, Gunbalanya, Finniss River, Tipperary Station, rural Darwin, Katherine, and Arnhem Land as increased-risk areas.
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, developed a "rapid infection" from the serious bacterial illness and died at Royal Darwin Hospital a week ago.
The exact location where the woman contracted leptospirosis or how long she had been unwell remains unclear.
The ABC understands the patient was one of four confirmed cases admitted to Royal Darwin Hospital's intensive care unit in recent months.
The three others have 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.
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.
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