You may be aware of the recent bulletin from the BBC claiming that five people have contracted Weil’s disease (Leptospirosis) from the River Itchen. I note that, despite the article’s title, only one of these cases has actually been confirmed, in this peak time of colds and flu. They also state that although outbreaks can occur, infections are still very rare.
Symptoms are varied and sometimes those infected have none at all but what seems to be common are cold/flue symptoms accompanied by an intense headache. The disease hits quite fast and can become very serious so if these ever sound familiar you should contact your GP immediately.
It tends to be stagnant (slow moving) water that presents more of a risk so our club’s location, which sees constant tidal flow would presumably present an even smaller risk. As marathon paddlers we don’t (most of us) spend much time in the water either but please follow the usual precautions as advised by our coaches:
• Never drink water from a river or lake
• Only drink from your own water bottle
• Always shower after contact with the water
• Wash hands thoroughly and shower if necessary before eating or drinking
• Cover cuts and abrasions (including blisters) with waterproof dressings
• Wear suitable footwear when launching or retrieving a boat,
• Avoid immersion in, or contact with, water, particularly if there is an algal scum or bloom
