Weil’s disease is an illness caused by contact with the organism "Leptospira
ictero-haemorrhagiae" carried in infected rats urine. Rats commonly live
in farm yards and near water and it is known that the organism that causes the
disease can live for some time in water. There is therefore a significant risk
in caves carrying drainage from farm land, stables or quarries.
Cavers on Mendip are known to have contracted the disease in the past. Others
have suffered a mild form of the disease which has not been diagnosed at the
time, but has been detected in subsequent blood tests. Throughout the country
the disease is on the increase among water users, which includes cavers, and
although there have been no deaths attributable to the disease there have been
a number of cavers infected, some of whom became very ill.
The incubation period is between seven to thirteen days after the organism has
entered the body. Entry may be by contact with infected water through a cut
or graze, a blister or abrasion or via the lining of the nose, throat or alimentary
canal.
The early symptoms are a fever, muscular aches and pains, a loss of appetite
and vomiting. The later symptoms include a bruising of the skin, sore eyes,
nose bleeds and jaundice. The fever usually lasts for about five days and is
followed by significant deterioration possibly becoming fatal.
The disease is curable if it is caught in time but unfortunately the early symptoms
are very similar to that of flu. It is therefore essential that the doctor be
told that a patient may have been in contact with a potential source of infection.
You must stress the need for an immediate blood test with the samples being
sent directly to:
The Leptospirosis Reference Unit
Public Health Laboratory,
County Hospital,
Hereford
HR1 2ER.
Telephone 01432 277707
Prevention is obviously difficult by the very nature of caving. Gloves will
offer some measure of protection. Clean fresh water should be used to wash any
wounds as soon as possible. Don’t take any chances! The link below is a
very good source of information on weil's disease.