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In reply to Post #31
remember years ago my dad telling me of a lad on a water near me that did not.
A young farm hand who drinks in the same pub as me caught it about a year before me and he didn't make it either, poor lad. I think most peeps who are associated with the water industry - sweage workers, fish farmers etc - are fully aware of the risks and take precautions yet we anglers, who are just as much at risk do not.
In Victorian times when rat catchers were employed the disease was called Rat Catcher's Yellow.
It's bad news chaps so take heed or it could be you looking like death warmed up 
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Jesus didnt realise it was that bad  .
Cant stand the furry things myself , makes you thing twice about leaving cooking stuff etc outside your bivvy on a night 
Fished a few rat holes in the past and when you see them running around your pod etc this thread really brings things into perspective , have they pissed on it
I suppose there everywhere and i agree the best way forward is to eliminate as many as possible and better managed fisheries do , some of the ones ive been to in the past though . . . breed em 
Nice to hear you made a fully recovery mate as i always remember years ago my dad telling me of a lad on a water near me that did not. Good luck mate 
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In reply to Post #29
yea make it a sticky mods.nice one ken 
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In reply to Post #21
I am posting again to get this thread back to the top...come on, guys...start to listen. Get real...THIS COULD HAPPEN TO YOU
The 2 pix should really make you sit up and take notice.
Sticky, possibly Mods?
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In reply to Post #16
Yeah...it's the "before" and "after" pix that bring it all home, Bait-Buff. Still all's well now, thanks.
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In reply to Post #14
Oh my god now with that comparison it really does show how bad it is!!!
Glad you are ok now Ken.
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In reply to Post #13
Thanks thats the kind of thing. The symptoms sound unpleasent to say the least. Hope this makes a few people think. 
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In reply to Post #12
This one any better Brian? It took the best part of 28 months for me to fully recover and at one stage my missus was told to expect the worst. I was a very lucky lad! Take care out there
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In reply to Post #9
ahhh oh my god do you end up looking like that? 
Oh sorry you are talking about the weight loss. 
On a serious note, people don't take enough precautions and as Ken has said it can lead to devastation consequences. The number of times I have seen people washing up with lake water amazes me. Just a case on people not thinking i suppose.
P.S Small selection of chocolate bars behind you then ken.
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In reply to Post #7
Weil’s Disease is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospirosis bacterium, and is spread by the urine of rats. Now that summer is with us these vermin will be proliferating like mad, spreading the risk of infection far and wide.
The bacteria usually enter your body via cuts to the skin, or via the nose, mouth and alimentary tract. Thus anyone coming into contact with or swallowing infected water will be at risk.
Note that infected water does not have to look iffy to pose a risk. However, water, which does appear polluted, or the sight of rats on the bankside or in the water, is a strong warning that the water is probably contaminated. As anglers we cannot avoid coming into contact with contaminated water but you should be aware that the problem exists.
An attack of Weil’s Disease usually resembles a cold or flu in its early stages. The incubation period is 3-21 days but can be longer (up to 30 days or even longer) in some extreme cases. The early signs are a yellowing of the skin and eyes, which indicates the onset of jaundice and shows that the infection has affected the liver. At this stage several diagnoses are possible including glandular fever and hepatitis. However, a blood test will reveal if Weil’s Disease is the culprit. Further symptoms include:
· Severe pain in joints and muscles throughout the body but more noticeable in the arms, elbows, wrists, legs, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles.
· Stiff and painful neck.
· Constipation.
· Very dry mouth and throat.
· Nausea.
· Headache.
· Unable to sleep due to pain and general discomfort.
· Elevated pulse rate and blood pressure.
· Loss of appetite.
· Urine a peculiar colour.
· Severe fever.
· Occasional violent shivering fits.
· Sudden yet prolonged spells of profuse sweating with consequent dehydration.
· Dry unproductive cough.
· Occasional shortness of breath.
The initial illness lasts about 5-10 days. In some cases it can then appear to get better but a further significant deterioration inevitably follows. If untreated Weil’s Disease is very serious and can, on occasions, be fatal.
If you become ill after a fishing trip and display any of the above flu-like symptoms, it is vital that you contact a doctor as soon as possible. You must tell the treating physician that you may have been in contact with infected water and that you suspect Weil’s Disease, as many of them do not associate the symptoms with the Disease without some guidance from you, the patient.
Treatment is invariably with strong antibiotics and it is usually successful but ONLY if it is started rapidly after the symptoms develop. Here are just a few ways the bacteria can enter the body:
1. Swallowing infected water.
2. Allowing infected water into contact with the eyes, nasal passages , the throat and the alimentary canal.
3. Via cuts and broken skin (grazes etc).
4. From contaminated food left uneaten either on the ground or even on a low chair or your bivvy table. Who knows what ratty has been up to while you were sleeping?
5. From a cigarette that may have fallen to the ground or by smoking a cigarette from packet left on the ground where a rat may have passed urine under or on the packet overnight or while you were away from your swim.
6. By lubricating your knots with saliva.
7. By biting rather than cutting nylon line.
8. By not being aware that wet boots and waders (especially neoprene chesties that retain water for much longer) will carry the infection until they are entirely dried out
9. By licking your fingers while fishing.
Take all necessary precautions. I know they are a bind but they could save your life.
· Get rid of rats using poison where possible. Use traps and plenty of them to help decrease the numbers around the fishery but be aware that even after they are dead their potential for harm lives on in the urine they have deposited.
· Encourage all private fishery owners to take extreme measures against them. They have a legal responsibility to provide a healthy environment for you to fish in.
· If you kill a rat one don't touch it with unprotected hands.
· Cover all cuts and broken skin with waterproof plasters while fishing. Always wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking.
· Report ANY flu like illness to your doctor.
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ye gods! take that picture off, its horrible!! 
but, your message is sound.
basic hygiene on the bank is a great start.
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In reply to Post #8
Well Said Ken
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In reply to Post #8
Should be visible now
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In reply to Post #6
I cant see it either 
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In reply to Post #5
Ken, may it be worth mentioning what precautions you can take as not sure everyone will know including me!
I know it gets in through the blood stream so is it a case of keeping wounds etc covered up or more of a case of not going in the water full stop?
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Stickies