Leptospirosis cases notified after exposure to water in the Royal Canal in north Dublin
There have been a number of cases of Leptospirosis reported recently to the HSE after exposure to the water in the Royal Canal in north Dublin.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection frequently found both in domestic and wild animals, which can spread to humans. Leptospirosis in Ireland is usually picked up from rats. The infection is spread through contact with rats, or rat urine generally. Leptospirosis is a recreational hazard for those who participate in outdoor sports in contaminated areas and has been associated with water sports.
The HSE East Department of Public Health has urged the public to take the following precautions:
- Do not go swimming or boating in water which is obviously polluted
- Cover any cuts or abrasions with a waterproof dressing while swimming or canoeing
- Shower thoroughly as soon as possible following water activities
- Make sure the sporting clothing you wear minimises your contact with water
- Wash your hands after water activity, handling any animal or contaminated clothing and always before eating, drinking or smoking
- Clean any cuts acquired during swimming, fishing or other near-water activities. Apply first aid as soon as possible.
- Rinsing dogs who have been swimming in high risk water reduces the risk of infection
- High risk workers should always wear their personal protective equipment and clothing at all times when in high risk situations
- If you get a flu-like illness within a three week period after engaging in any of these activities you should visit your doctor immediately, and tell her or him of your concerns and possible exposure to dirty or stagnant water.
Leptospirosis can cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, conjunctivitis (red eye), diarrhoea and vomiting. Meningitis, jaundice and renal failure may occur at a later stage. The combination of Leptospirosis with jaundice and uraemia is known as Weil’s disease. In rare cases death occurs.
The incubation period (time from exposure to illness) is usually 7-13 days (range 4-19 days). The illness lasts from a few days to 3 weeks or longer. Without treatment, recovery may take several months.
If you are in contact with infected urine the bacteria which causes Leptospirosis can get into your body through cuts and scratches and through the lining of the mouth, throat and eyes. Infected urine or contaminated water can be found in sewers, ditches, ponds, canals and slow-moving rivers and river banks.
People at greatest risk of acquiring Leptospirosis include those who fish, swim or use water for other recreational purposes. This would include people who engage in outdoor pursuits that brings them in contact with at-risk water such as canoeing, hiking, pot-holing or golfing. Occupations at risk would include veterinary surgeons, farmers, meat inspectors, butchers, abattoir and sewer workers. High risk water includes stagnant, dirty-looking or obviously polluted fresh water found in ditches, drains, ponds, lakes or rivers. Sea water poses less risk.
Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics, such as doxycycline or penicillin, which should be given early in the course of the disease. Intravenous antibiotics may be required for persons with more severe symptoms.