“We don't really do doctors.” messages from people diagnosed with occupational leptospirosis for medical professionals on infection, hospitalisation, and long-term effects

Leptospirosis is largely an occupational disease for people working with livestock in Aotearoa New Zealand. Introduction of vaccination and use personal protective equipment has been associated a reduction the incidence. However, incidence leptospirosis remains high, significant burdens affected families healthcare system. For this article, subset thirteen participants from nationwide case-control study (2019–2021) who were diagnosed worked at time illness invited agreed to semi-structured interview. Interviewees reflected on their experiences as messages medical professionals. The analysis transcripts reveals widely shared infection, hospitalisation, treatment, well long-term effects recovery. Conclusions professionals include that ill workers continue have diagnosis delayed. This delay may contribute more than half hospitalised. Further, professionals' communication relationship strongly colours latter's experience, good or bad. Moreover, most interviewees experienced recovery process took several months feeling tired, which undermined professional performance emotional wellbeing.