Weil's disease - River Itchen, Southampton

[Boomshanka]

Might be of interest to anyone moored/boating up the Itchen river ...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-16477713

 

[colingr]

Maybe that will get rid of the canooists

 

[Judders]

Typically useless journalism; I thought wiels disease only occurred ion still or slow moving water, so hopefully not a problem on the tidal part of the river in Southampton...

 

[oldharry]

Sensationalism rules again: there's nothing new or specific to Southampton and the Itchen about it. Any water where there are rats - and thats everywhere - then there is a small but measurable risk.

When I worked on river boats it was marked on my medical records, because of the difficulty of diagnosis. It is uncommon, but any open inland water presents a small but clearly present risk of contracting it if you have contact with the water - the disease enters through cuts and barasions, or by eyes nose or mouth.

Dont know why these particular canoeists got themselves into the news, ikt is just one of those minore riskas anyone takes when going on or in to rivers or canals.

 

[Tidewaiter2]

So?????

Maybe that will get rid of the canooists

Teach them to shower and wash their kit properly afterwards, and clean their hands before eating their scran anyway!
Sewermen face the risk every working day(it's another name for Weils-sewermans disease), they just observe good hygiene drills!

 

[prv]

Typically useless journalism; I thought wiels disease only occurred ion still or slow moving water, so hopefully not a problem on the tidal part of the river in Southampton...

Does it live in salt water?

Pete

 

[Judders]

Does it live in salt water?

Pete

I don't know! That is what I was hoping someone could tell us.

 

[Bru]

Does it live in salt water?

Pete

I don't know! That is what I was hoping someone could tell us.

No, it doesn't live in salt water ... although it might survive in brackish water

Leptospirosis is extremely rare in the UK (although its a lot more common in equatorial countries and around the Med) with fewer than 50 cases per annum

It is a zoonosis (an infectious disease in animals that can be transmitted to humans) which is frequently present in rats and also in cattle, pigs and dogs.

The bacteria is most frequently transmitted to humans from animal urine via fresh stagnant or slow moving water particularly in areas where there is a significant rat population. The bacteria enters the body via cuts, abrasions or (rarely) the mucous membranes. Ingestion of infected water does not usually cause infection

The mild form of the illness is characterised by flu like symptoms and is frequently mis-diagnosed. It is self limiting and recovery is usually spontaneous and complete without complications

Weils disease is the severe form of the illness and symptoms can include Jaundice, liver failure, abdominal cramps. It is fatal in 10% to 15% of cases. It can be mis-diagnosed as meningitis amongst other things

The critical problem with Leptospirosis and Weils disease is that it is almost invariably mis-diagnosed by GPs unless the patient raises the possibility themselves.

In case your wondering why I know so much about it - 20 odd years involved in voluntary activities on the canals where Weils is a significant risk factor!

 

[prv]

No, it doesn't live in salt water

So those of us moored on the Itchen needn't worry then

Cheers,

Pete

 

[A1Sailor]

Maybe that will get rid of the canooists

It also, tragically, got rid of an Olympic Gold Medallist - Andy Holmes MBE. May he rest in peace.

 

[bikedaft]

Does it live in salt water?

Pete

yes - know a diver who contracted it in loch fyne