AVIAN INFLUENZA (BIRD FLU) TESTED AND PASSED

WEILS DISEASE BREAKOUT HAS BEEN TESTED & PASSED TO KILL BY THE PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORIES

You can always look after yourself when in areas that you think are a hazard, for instance where rats have frequented.

If you are in these areas it is advisable to where rubber gloves the disposable ones are ideal, disposable overalls and over shoes are would be an added benifit.

Most infections and diseases are caught easier in open wounds and through the mouth when you have touched some thing that is contaminated and then you have touched the wounds or mouth.

Cleanleness is the key to looking after yourself, so if you have been into suspect contaminated areas please wash all your skin, then you have less chance of catching infections.

Weil's Disease (Leptospirosis)Dr John FleetwoodWeil's Disease has been in the news recently. It is the most serious form of a group of illnesses known collectively as leptospirosis. When one examines the leptospirosis germs under a microscope, they look rather like corkscrews which wriggle actively.

These organisms can be found in practically any animal, wild or domestic, including cats, dogs, foxes, horses, cattle and sheep, but rodents are the biggest culprits. The cycle of infection is that the germs are excreted in the animal's urine or motions. They can live for long periods in water or moist areas, such as farmyards, at summer temperatures. Transmission to a human occurs either by swallowing the water, by contact through an open cut or sore and occasionally by contact with the eyes, nose or mouth even though the water is not swallowed.

Symptoms may develop within 48 hours but delays of up to 26 days have been recorded between contact and the person falling ill. The early symptoms suggest a dose of flu, are often treated as such and may clear up quickly if one of the less virulent germs is involved, but in Weil's Disease it is soon obvious that there is a major problem.

The patient may recall possible contact with infected water or a sick animal. Blood tests are available to make a firm diagnosis and it is important that, in any suspect case, these be carried out promptly. Early treatment with massive doses of penicillin or other antibiotics is called for, along with plenty of fluids to combat possible dehydration and kidney damage. Other complications include skin rashes, haemorrhages, jaundice, eye inflammation, severe muscle and bone pain, vomiting and delirium. There is a very considerable death rate in these severe cases. Sometimes the person seems to improve but may relapse several times. In general, the fitter and younger the patient, the better the outlook.

An old proverb says "Prevention is better than cure." Nowhere is this more applicable than in Weil's Disease. Scrupulous personal and environmental hygiene is the key to success. In many underdeveloped countries, and even in rural and slum areas of countries with high public health standards, it is possible for water to become contaminated from animal excreta.

Everyone should avoid direct skin contact with soil, vegetation or water where there may be animal droppings or urine. One should never go barefoot into stables, byres, muddy soil or anywhere that animals may have been grazing. Swimming or paddling in ponds, lakes or pools to which animals have access is potentially dangerous.

These precautions are especially important where there are open cuts or sores on the skin. These should be washed gently, painted with iodine or some similar disinfectant and covered with a protective dressing. If flu-like symptoms develop within a couple of weeks, one should be sure to mention any possible exposure to the doctor so that appropriate blood tests can be done quickly.

On a boat or caravan, if rats, mice or their droppings are seen, all food which is not securely covered should be destroyed and the area washed with water to which acetic acid (vinegar) has been added. A pint of water to the average bucket of water hastens destruction of the leptospira germs. Traps or poison should be put down, taking the usual precautions to protect children and domestic pets.

Leptospirosis cannot be treated lightly and environmental health measures are an important part of its control, but it wasn't always so. Before laws were passed restricting the passage of raw sewage into rivers Queen Victoria commented on the numerous pieces of paper she saw floating on the surface of the Cam. "These, Your Majesty," said the Provost, "are notices warning that bathing here is dangerous."

NEWSLETTER OF THE INLAND WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND

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