Case Report: Locally Acquired Leptospirosis in a Minnesota Boy and His Dog

Leptospirosis affects numerous animal species, including domestic dogs, but documented transmission to humans is rare. Here, we describe epidemiologically linked cases in a 12-year-old Minnesota boy and his pet dog. While human leptospirosis is often thought of as a disease of tropical locations, this case report describes a rare documented example of local transmission in the northern United States, a region historically not perceived to be at high risk of Leptospira species transmission to humans. This case highlights an unusual presentation, with facial nerve palsy, underappreciated epidemiological risks, and diagnostic challenges of this reemerging infection.