Magazine - Floods Hit SWFC

26 Jun 2007 by andy2110

Rotherham is the same aswell

30 Jun 2007 by panch

Andy
How did you fare it looked like Doncaster was next in linefor the flood water?

5 Jul 2007 by Megan Hood

A note of caution to those (or who have staff) dealing with floodwater and/or silt.

Some of you may be aware of Leptospirosis (Weil's disease) but following a recent case associated with the flooding in Sheffield it is important to remind people of the risks.

It is a bacterial infection carried in the urine of a number of animals including (among others) pigs, cattle, horses, dogs and rodents. It can be transmitted by swallowing or coming into contact with contaminated water (e.g. during the clean-up) or handling food after coming contact with the bacteria.

There is always a risk of infection when investigating drains, ditches & manholes which may be populated by large numbers of rats - important carriers of the disease.

IMPORTANT: The risk is higher during or following flooding when contaminated water may be dispersed over a wide area and where there is a possibility that populations of rats may be displaced by the flooding - carrying the disease to new areas.

I have attached a copy of a document from the web site link below.

www.leptospirosis.org

Other links are available that will provide additional information including:

www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/leptospirosis_g.htm

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg84.pdf

Although the disease is not common it is important that everyone is aware and appropriate precautions are taken including the use of protective clothing.

My father contracted this disease many years ago and believe me it is extremely nasty. Early symptoms are flu-like, developing into very bad headaches and high temperatures. Please see the leptosporosis website for further information.

All the best for the clean-up.

Megan, STRI