Dr Damien Brown, a Public Health Registrar from the NT's Centre for Disease Control, said nine cases of Leptospirosis has been confirmed among cattle workers since January.

The majority of cases have been linked to workers in the Daly River and rural Darwin region, but two cases have also been confirmed in Pine Creek, less than 100 kilometres from Katherine.

The spike in cases is almost double the total confirmed last year.

"Leptospirosis is known to affect cattle and farm workers, and is particularly common after heavy rains," Dr Brown said.

"Anyone with a fever, muscle aches and headache - especially in the absence of cold-like symptoms like a runny nose - is urged to see a doctor for further assessment and testing.

"The disease is easily treated with oral antibiotics if caught early, but left untreated can progress to a severe and sometimes fatal illness."

Dr Brown said the disease poses most risk to people working on stations closely with animals or in abattoirs.

However, contaminated water, mud and soil can also be a risk.

People camping, hunting and gardening should take precautions, Dr Brown said.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Leptospira. It occurs in both humans and animals, mainly in tropical areas like the Northern Territory and Far North Queensland.

"The illness is caused by a bacteria that's found in animals such as pigs, cattle, rats, dogs, and possums, and spread by their infected urine," Dr Brown said.

"Humans become infected when we come into contact with contaminated water, wet soil or animals or their tissue - hence the other names 'cane cutter's fever' and 'mud fever'.

"The bacteria usually enter through cuts or grazes, or splashes to the eye or contact with the inside of the mouth."

Symptoms - sudden fever with headaches, chills, severe muscle pain (particularly in the legs) and reddened eyes - typically occur after about 10 days and last around three weeks.

"Cough, diarrhoea and vomiting can also occur and some people go on to develop more severe disease including jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), bleeding, breathing difficulties and confusion, and in rare cases this can be fatal," Dr Brown said.

"Prompt treatment with antibiotics as early as possible in the illness is essential.

"Appropriate testing will confirm the illness and can also help us prevent further clusters of cases. There is no human vaccination against leptospirosis.

"Prevention, alongside early diagnosis and treatment, is therefore key."

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