At camp there are a few illnesses that you might get. These can be avoided and generally by commons sense and good hygiene.

WASH YOUR HANDS REGULARLY


If you have been ill before coming to camp, let the leaders know. Don't handle food - you will pass on your bugs to others

If you are feeling unwell, let the leaders know

There is some specific advice to look at. Where we generally camp in Ravengill and Pybus you should be aware of e-coli and here WASH YOUR HANDS REGULARLY and ONLY DRINK SPECIFIED DRINKING WATER are the best advise.

E. Coli 0157

This is an organism that can live in animal droppings and if it gets inside you, can cause upset tummy, Diarrhoea and Sickness.
Children under 5 and the over 60 are especially vulnerable
To minimise any risk, please:
- Wash your hands before eating - even sweets. Use soap and Hot water
- Only drink water that has been designated as 'Drinking Water' or boil or treat it first
- Ensure that cooked food is not Under Cooked
- Do not put food, Pans, Utensils etc. on the grass
There is a small possibility of this at Ravengill and Pybus do follow this advise as a precaution


Blue / Green Algae

Poisonous to humans if ingested, causes skin irritation and needs urgent medical assistance. Found in shallow waters and reservoirs.
Stay away from the waters where warning notices are displayed or where you can see scum or algae build up. On boating activities on risky water, shower well afterwards and wash clothing. Seek local advice

Weils Disease

From Rats Urine contaminates Rivers, Banks, Lakes and Ponds. Needs urgent medical treatment.
Early symptoms similar to the flu, incubation 3 - 19 days after contact with the water.
Prevented by covering breaks in skin with waterproof plasters, disinfect wounds that occur at the waterside, wash hands before eating, do not drink river water. Never touch dead rats. Quite rare - 132 cases in 1998 but it can kill you.

Lymes Disease

From Ticks in vegetation and animals, between April and October.
Wear suitable clothing - long sleeves and trousers. Do not remove a tick, but seek medical advice first.
Causes red patches where the bite is, spreading over the skin over the next few days. Causes headaches, short term memory loss, stiff neck, raised temperature, flu like symptoms
There is a small possibility for this on any camping ground with sheep

Hygiene at camp is essential in order to maintain good health