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Updated leaflet on leptospirosis risk and control published

HSE has published an updated downloadable leaflet on leptospirosis. The short guide explains types, symptoms and prevention. The disease can be caught when the bacteria enters the body through cuts etc or mouth, throat and eye linings after contact with infected urine or contaminated water, such as in sewers, ditches, ponds and slow-flowing rivers.

Farmers are now the main group at risk although other people have contracted leptospirosis in recent years including vets, meat inspectors, butchers, abattoir and sewer workers. Workers in contact with canal and river water are also at risk. Prevention involves:

• removal of rats; 
• washing and covering grazes etc with waterproof plasters;
• wearing protective clothing; 
• washing hands before eating, drinking or smoking and;
• reporting any illness to your doctor.

This article was posted on 9th April 2009 in ALL LATEST NEWS, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH.
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