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Wantsum
Angling Association, P O Box 314, Margate, Kent CT7 9BQ
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WEILS
DISEASE
Weils Disease (Leptospirosis) is a bacterial infection carried in Rat's urine which contaminates water and the banks of rivers, lakes and ponds. It is a serious disease in human beings that requires hospital treatment.
The early symptoms are similar to those of 'FLU' and normally start 3 to 19 days after exposure to contaminated water. Every year people die from this disease which is unnecessary because it is easily treated if diagnosed in time.
DON'T LET IT HAPPEN TO YOU!
There are a number of sensible precautions you can take:
- Cover any cuts, sores or scratches with waterproof plasters or gloves
- Disinfect any wounds that occur at the waterside
- Wash your hands or cover food with a wrapper before you eat
- Do not put your hand in your mouth after immersing in river water and never place bait or fishing line in your mouth
- Do not touch dead animals, especially rats
- If you develop Flu - like symptoms that persist, tell your Doctor that you may have been exposed to Leptospirosis so that he / she can consider it in the diagnosis
- Do not leave food, Groundbait or bait on the bankside