Weils Disease is caused by an organism which is present in many rivers, lakes and estuaries. There is a very small chance of catching the disease while taking part in water based outdoor activities.
Weils Disease responds well to early treatment. Left untreated, it has occasionally proved fatal.
Sensible precautions should be taken to minimise the risk.
The early symptoms of the disease are similar to influenza and include headache, temperature and joint or muscle pains.
If you fall ill with these symptoms within three weeks of taking part in water based activities, you should see your doctor immediately.
Urgent treatment is essential for Weils Disease. Advice on laboratory diagnosis may be obtained from your local hospital’s Microbiology Department.
Important:
The contraction of a water based disease is rare, and Weils disease is the most common but not the only illness that can be passed to a human. If you notice any change in the health of anyone that has taken part in a water based activity please follow the same advice given for Weils disease and seek medical attention and pass this sheet onto your doctor.
