What is it?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease. It lives in water which has been contaminated with infected rats urine. It cannot be caught through airborne contact or through contact with anything which is dry. The highest risk is from still or slow moving water.
How to spot Leptospirosis
If you feel like you have cold or flu like symptoms a few days after paddling, go to your doctor and explain that you have been in water that is possibly contaminated. This is very important. If it is treated early, then it can be cured by antibiotics. If it is left, then the disease gets worse.
Prevention
Try not to drink any water from rivers. Make sure that all cuts and abrasions are covered with waterproof coverings.
Treatment
Antibiotics in the early stages It is very important that medical attention is sought if you suspect that you have the condition.
Further information
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