Leptospirosis (Weil's disease)

A paddler recently (Feb 2003) contracted Weil's disease, a potentially fatal disease carried in rats urine (uck!). The disease is caught by swallowing water or through cuts. The burn flowing into Pease Bay or the Whiteadder are the most likely sources of this particular infection, but potentially any river could contain the bacterium which causes the disease. Those where there are likely to be rat populations e.g near habitation carry the greatest risk. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of Weil's disease as it develops quickly and needs prompt treatment.

Early symptoms are fever, chills, muscular aches and pains, loss of appetite, and nausea when lying down. These can easily be mistaken for influenza, menengitis or the classic physician's excuse, 'FUO' or Fever of Unknown Origin.

Later symptoms include bruising of the skin, anaemia, sore eyes, nose bleeds and jaundice. The fever lasts for approximately five days, then a significant deterioration follows. Detailed information is available from the Weil's Disease Information Centre.

If you develop these symptoms within a few days of paddling, it is important to see a doctor. A blood test should be taken to confirm the disease. As a GP would only expect to see a case of Weil's disease once in 50 years, they may be reluctant to diagnose it, so make sure that they know that you are a paddler and therefore in a group at high risk.