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Weil's Disease (Leptospirosis) is a bacterial infection carried in rats'
urine, which contaminates water and the banks of lakes, rivers and ponds. It can
be caught by humans and is potentially fatal. It is
a serious disease in human beings that requires hospital treatment. It can enter
the body through cuts, grazes, through the mouth or via mucous membranes such as
those that line the eyes or nose. The early
symptoms are similar to those of flu with fevers, rigours (stiffness) and
myalgia (chronic fatigue and muscle pain) and normally start 3 to 19 days after
exposure to contaminated water. Every year people die from this disease, which
is unnecessary because it is easily treated if diagnosed in time.
DON'T LET IT HAPPEN TO YOU
There are a number of sensible precautions you can take.
- Cover any cuts, sores or scratches with waterproof plasters or
gloves
- Disinfect any wounds that occur at the waterside
- Wash your hands or cover food with a wrapper before you eat
- Do not put your hand in your mouth after immersing in river water and
never place bait or fishing line in your mouth
- Do not touch dead animals, especially rats
- If you develop flu like symptoms that persist tell your doctor that you
may have been exposed to leptospirosis so that he/she can consider it in the
diagnosis
- Do not leave food, ground bait or bait on the bank side.
KEEP SAFE, HAVE FUN!
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