The national rat population is increasing and between 50% and 60% of rats carry and excrete the organism Leptospira ictero-haemorrhagiae in their urine. Infection of humans with this organism causes an illness (commonly called Weil's disease) which has been known to result in death in 10% of cases. You can be in contact with the disease by touching Rats urine, or being in water where contaminated rats have urinated.

There has been a recent increase in the incidence of this disease: 32 cases were notified in 1986, 68 cases in 1987 and 133 cases in 1988.

Formerly the disease occurred mainly among sewage or abattoir workers, farm workers and miners but recent records show that the majority of deaths are now related to water activities. In 1989 there were 19 deaths and 13 of these were associated with water users.

The organism enters the body through breaks in the skin such as cuts, blisters and abrasions, or via the lining of the nose, throat or alimentary tract. The incubation period is 7-13 days and the disease starts with a fever, muscular aches and pains, loss of appetite and vomiting with prostration. Subsequent bruising of the skin, sore eyes, nose bleeds and jaundice may occur. The fever lasts about five days and may be followed by significant deterioration.

It is vital that the doctor be told that the patient may have been in contact with a source of infection. The symptoms can easily be mistaken for those of flu and, if the patient has a clean occupation, the possibility of Weil's disease may be overlooked in the early stages.

In its early stages it can be cured with antibiotics, but later stages of the disease will require hospitalisation.

Weil's Disease is a notifiable illness in the UK and it is essential to disclose a confirmed case to the local Public Health office, who will need to know where you believe it was caught. That means that if you get the disease, your doctor will tell other people that there has been a case of it.

A few sensible precautions

DO cover with waterproof plasters or gloves all scratches, cuts, sores and breaks in the skin. Disinfect any wounds as soon as possible if they occur whilst at the waterside. ALWAYS wash your hands or cover food with a wrapper before you eat. NEVER put your hand to your mouth after immersion in river water and never place bait or fishing line in the mouth. DON'T touch any dead animal especially rats. NEVER leave food, ground bait or bait on the bank side. AND ALWAYS TAKE YOUR RUBBISH HOME