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Leptospirosis, or Weil's disease,
as it is often known is an infection which canoeists are at
increased risk.
It is very rare and you should not worry about it, and there have been no reported cases at Kirkcaldy Canoe Club, however it should be borne in mind if you are paddling on other higher risk waters. The information on the right gives more details on the disease, the symptoms, and what you should do if you suspect you may be infected. This information was taken from the British Canoe Union website. |
LeptospirosisWeil’s Disease is a RARE but very serious illness. It is caused by bacteria carried in the urine of rats (and some other animals), which get into the waterways. What is it? Leptospirosis is a zoonosis, which is an infection transmitted to humans from animal sources. The usual source of infection is contact with the urine of infected rats. Leptospirosis in humans can produce a range of clinical manifestations from a mild flu-like illness to meningitis or renal failure. The more severe end of the clinical spectrum is known as Weil’s disease, which is rare in Britain but can occasionally result in death. How do you catch it? The infection is caused when leptospires, minute bacteria, enter the human host through a skin abrasion or through the lining of the mouth, throat and eyes after contact with an infected animal’s urine or contaminated fresh water. There are many different types, or serovars, of this organism. Each tends to be associated with a different animal species. The most commonly found serovar in this country is Leptospirahardjo, which is associated with cattle. Leptospiraicterohaemorrhagiae also occurs here and is associated with rats. How serious is it? It can be a serious illness requiring hospital treatment and can lead to kidney or liver failure. Weil’s Disease is a notifiable illness. Do I need to do anything? Simple precautions can reduce even further the small risk, precautions to be listed as appropriate for the groups being addressed by the card. These could include a selection of the following: - Cover all cuts and broken skin with waterproof plasters. - Wash your hands or shower after canoeing. - Avoid capsize drill or rolling in stagnant or slow moving water. - Use foot-wear to avoid cutting feet. If you have flu-like illness after canoeing go to your GP early – tell him/her you are a canoeist. What should I do about it? If you are taken ill after canoeing, particularly from 2 to 19 days following, tell your doctor about your work or regular water sports activities and show him/her this information. You must call the doctor early. The most common early symptoms are: temperature, an influenza-like illness and joint and muscle pains. (Pains in the calf muscles are often particular noticeable). Jaundice and/or conjunctivitis may be present, or develop, although the absence of any of these symptoms does not mean that the illness is not Weil’s Disease – nor does a symptom in isolation necessarily indicate that Weil’s Disease is present. (To the doctor: A canoeist’s work/leisure pursuits may expose him/her to the danger of leptospirosis. Early treatment can be helpful in limiting the course of this infection. Serological testing is available for leptospirosis. However, it is only appropriate for confirming an initial clinical diagnosis and not for the purposes of whether or not to commence treatment. Your local Public Health Laboratory or hospital consultant microbiologist should be able to offer advice on the appropriateness of testing and preferred antibiotics.)
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