Anyone else had Weil's disease?

[Ayahuasca]

Or is it just me?

High fever and generally felt rough. Thought it was the flu. Eventually got it checked out. They found acute kidney failure, liver failure and septicaemia. Diagnosed leptospirosis, a form of Weil's disease. Apparently had I not got it checked out, I was a couple of days from clocking off..

Anyone else?

[944fan]

fk! That sounds bad, you ok now?

I haven't had it nor known anyone that has but am very aware of it as I swim open water a lot and know not go in with open cuts as that is how it gets easily transferred.

[malks222]

damn that doesn't sounds pretty!

I'm with 944fan, I do a lot of canoeing, quite often training in water of not the best quality. Its something I've always been aware of, but never really known the symptoms or things to look out for!

[boyse7en]

I've not had it, but a Farmer friend of mine had symptoms like yours, after a few days his missus insisted on taking him to the doctor (farmers never go of their own volition) and he was taken from the surgery into hospital straight away. Spent 2 or 3 days in there before he was allowed home.

[Ayahuasca]

Yep, all good again thanks!

I had some burst blisters on my foot, went on a three day hike that involved river crossings .... that's how it got in.

Wife took me to A%E for 'flu' and I was whisked into hospital, four days on an antibiotic / re-hydration IV drip and as good as new.

Those who mess about in fresh water - cover those open wounds!!

[battered]

Nasty, you don't want that. It's spread by rats in dirty water I'm told, I think it's a protozoan infection (I could be wrong). Those who work in water (canals maintenance etc) can get immunised, it's a serious illness and carries a mortality rate.

[944fan]

battered said:

Nasty, you don't want that. It's spread by rats in dirty water I'm told, I think it's a protozoan infection (I could be wrong). Those who work in water (canals maintenance etc) can get immunised, it's a serious illness and carries a mortality rate.

I don't think the water has to be actually what you would call dirty. Its spread by rat (and other animal) piss and that can be on the banks etc. I swim in a lake that is so clean the water is almost drinkable but there is still a risk.

If I have an open wound I wont go in, covered or not. I also know if I develop flu like symptoms to go to the Dr and tell them I have been swimming OW.

There is no vaccine for it according to this:

http://www.exeter.ac.uk/staff/wellbeing/oh/guidanc...

[motco]

When my children were in primary school they wanted to go on some water fun trip to Wales involving jumping into waterfall plunge pools etc. I asked the teacher in charge whether the venue had been checked for Weil's risks and he hadn't a clue what I was on about.

[mrtwisty]

I have just recently got into canoeing, mainly rivers and lakes. This was not on my radar at all. I shall certainly bear this thread in mind if i feel fluish after paddling.

You may possibly have done me a BIG favour in posting this Ayahuasca!

[944fan]

Ayahuasca said:

Yep, all good again thanks!

I had some burst blisters on my foot, went on a three day hike that involved river crossings .... that's how it got in.

Wife took me to A%E for 'flu' and I was whisked into hospital, four days on an antibiotic / re-hydration IV drip and as good as new.

Those who mess about in fresh water - cover those open wounds!!

Glad you are ok, sounds quite scary.

I believe it is quite rare but obviously very serious if you do get it.

[oddman]

Fishing is another pastime with Weil's risk

Rats tend to like the places used by coarse fishermen - plenty of free food on offer