HEALTH WARNING TO PADDLERS

During November 2008 a MCC paddler was put on antibiotics as a precaution against Weil’s disease. After recovery a blood test confirmed the paddler had been in contact with the bacteria Leptospira (the bacteria that causes Weil’s disease). It was caught after the paddler had taken part in a lot of paddling (and upside down work) in the Medway (Maidstone and Yalding area), meaning that the bacteria is present in the Maidstone/Yalding area of the Medway.

Weil’s disease IS serious although rare with only about 35 cases reported every year. But it can be fatal. Weil’s disease is caused by the bacteria Leptospira found in infected rats’ urine, which contaminates water in rivers, lakes and ponds and on river banks. It enters the body through cuts and linings of the nose, eye, throat and alimentary tract.

Symptoms start between 3 and 19 days after contact with bacteria (about 10 days usually), with early symptoms being similar to flu, including fever, headache and musclular aches and pains, not necessarily with coughing and sneezing. Later symptoms include possible jaundice, skin bruising, sore eyes, anaemia and nose bleeds. The fever may last around 5 days followed by rapid, marked deterioration as the infection starts to cause liver and kidney failure, later attacking other major organs, and leading to death if untreated (1 in 19 who develop the more serious stages of infection die).

Early diagnosis/treatment is crucial and a course of antibiotics should be administered. A blood test will be needed to check for the disease, but takes a week to be processed so treatment is the first priority. Doctors may not recognise the symptoms as Weil’s disease as it is rare, but more likely as a viral infection of another/unknown cause. So tell them you suspect Weil’s disease and need antibiotics and a blood test.

Ways to reduce the risks of Weil’s disease:

·        Put waterproof plasters on cuts/blisters/abrasions

·        Always wash hands before eating/drinking and don’t put wet items in mouth eg.ropes

·        Wash cuts/wounds with fresh water asap

·        Don’t drink water in river/lake

·        Wear suitable footwear

·        Shower after contact with water

·        Don’t leave food/rubbish in the river or on the banks.

This is not here to spoil your paddling…just warning of a lesser known and rare danger.

Happy Paddling J