Leptospirosis and Weil’s Disease
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Leptospirosis and Weil’s Disease are extremely
rare but can be caught by anyone participating in water sports, so
it is worth being aware of the symptoms and methods of
prevention.
How the infection is
spread
Leptospirosis is an animal infection, the
bacteria of which can survive for days or even weeks in moist
conditions such as freshwater streams, rivers etc. Bacteria can
enter through broken skin or via the eyes, nose or mouth.
Methods of
prevention
- Avoid swimming in suspect water (ie where
there is pollution, particularly from farmland with
livestock).
- Cover any broken skin with waterproof
plasters.
- Use appropriate footwear to avoid cuts to the
feet.
- Shower as soon as you can after water
activities.
Symptoms
The incubation period is two to 12 days.
Symptoms are usually flu-like (eg fever, headache and back pain)
which subside in two to three weeks. In some cases leptospirosis
can develop into Weil’s Disease, which is a more serious illness
and must be treated swiftly.
If you think that you may have the infection,
visit your doctor and say that you participate in water sports and
think that there may be risk of leptospirosis.
Further information can be found at
http://www.leptospirosis.org
Page last updated: 5/18/2012