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Leptospirosis - Weil’s Disease
This is an animal infection. The bacteria can survive for days even weeks in moist conditions but only for a few hours in salt water. The infection is caught by direct contact with the urine or polluted environment. Typically, rats urine. Sewer /farm workers are particularly at risk. Bacteria enters cuts and abrasions, via the eyes, nose or mouth. The Illness Incubation is typically 7 to 14 days although maybe shorter (2-3 days) or longer (up to 30 days). The initial phase may present itself as an abrupt onset of a flu-like illness, with a severe headache, chills, muscle aches and vomiting. This is known as the bacteraemic phase, when the Leptospires spread through the blood to many tissues, including the brain. In some cases, an immune phase may follow with a return of fever, jaundicee (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or a rash. In more severe cases, there may be failure of some organs, eg. the kidneys, or meningitis. Generally, cases will recover fully with two to six weeks but some may take up to three months. After infection, immunity develops against the infecting strain, but this may not fully protect against infection with unrelated strains. What to do If you think you may be infected go to your doctor. The microbiologist at the local hospital is the best source of advice or the leptospirosis reference unit at:- The Public Health Laboratory, County Hospital, Hereford. HR1 2BR. Telephone: 01432 277707/ 277117 Fax: 01432 351396 General Advice Cover up/wash up - "Prevention is the name of the game" Visit the web site of the Health Protection Agency at www.hpa.org.uk |
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