Weil's Disease is a notifiable illness. The bacteria is absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes. It gets into the blood stream very easily if you have a minor cut on your skin or feet, or if you become immersed. Any flu-like symptoms within a few weeks of participating in water activities should be reported to a doctor immediately, notifying him of the possibility of Weil's disease. If diagnosed early enough the disease is fully treatable with antibiotics.
Any delay is potentially fatal.
Information sheets are available from the BCU and RYA . High concentrations of algae may also be found in pools during times of drought. To date this bacteria has only caused illness in humans although it has caused death in cows, sheep and dogs drinking at the water's edges. The toxins attack the nervous system, which can cause acute liver damage. The toxins can also cause skin rashes.