The illness Leptospirosis is an infection caught through contact with urine from infected animals (mainly rodents, cattle and pigs) in water or soil. The bacteria enter the body through abrasions or cuts in the skin and through the lining of the nose, mouth and eyes. The disease is more prevalent when the river has been in flood.

Early symptoms include flu-like symptoms, vomiting, high temperature, headache and muscle pains. The treatment is antibiotics. If you think you may have the infection, go to your doctor and tell them there may be a risk of leptospirosis – early treatment is vital. If left untreated Leptospirosis can progress to Weil’s disease, a very unpleasant and sometimes fatal condition.