OCC/Physical Health/TBT-OCC-009

Leptospirosis (Weil's Disease)

Occupational Health › Physical Health › Leptospirosis (Weil's Disease)

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Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through the urine of infected rats and other animals.
Weil's disease is the most severe form of leptospirosis and can cause organ failure and death.
The bacteria enter the body through cuts, scratches, or the lining of the mouth, nose, and eyes.
Workers near rivers, canals, sewers, and standing water are at highest risk of infection.
Early symptoms mimic flu: headache, fever, muscle pain, and chills appearing 2 to 30 days after exposure.
Without treatment, the infection can progress to jaundice, kidney failure, and internal bleeding.
Construction workers, drainage operatives, and water industry staff are among the most exposed groups.
Rat populations thrive around construction sites due to food waste, skips, and disturbed ground.
COSHH 2002 classifies leptospirosis as a biological hazard requiring risk assessment and controls.
Carrying a leptospirosis warning card helps doctors diagnose the illness quickly if symptoms develop.

Prevent fatal illness	Weil's disease kills approximately 10% of those who develop the severe form. Early treatment with antibiotics is critical.
High exposure risk	Construction workers regularly encounter contaminated water, soil, and rat-infested environments where the bacteria thrives.
Delayed diagnosis	Symptoms resemble common flu, so doctors may miss the diagnosis unless the worker reports their occupational exposure.

Don't

Cover all cuts, scratches, and broken skin with waterproof dressings before work.
Wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking, or smoking on site.
Wear gloves and waterproof clothing when working near water or in sewers.
Carry a leptospirosis warning card and show it to your doctor if unwell.
Report rat activity, burrows, or droppings to the site manager immediately.
Seek urgent medical advice if you develop flu-like symptoms after exposure.
Tell the doctor about your work near water, sewers, or rat-infested areas.
Keep food and drink away from work areas and store in clean welfare facilities.
Use face protection where there is a risk of splashing contaminated water.
Clean and disinfect any wounds sustained while working near contaminated water.

DON'T ignore cuts or scratches; cover them with waterproof dressings immediately.
DON'T eat, drink, or smoke in work areas near water or drainage systems.
DON'T handle dead rats or disturb rat burrows without protective gloves.
DON'T wade through standing water or sewage without waterproof protective clothing.
DON'T dismiss flu-like symptoms after working near water; see a doctor promptly.
DON'T forget to mention your occupation when visiting the doctor with symptoms.
DON'T touch your face, mouth, or eyes with contaminated gloves or hands.
DON'T leave food waste near work areas as it attracts rats to the site.
DON'T assume clean-looking water is safe; the bacteria are invisible.
DON'T delay seeking medical help; early antibiotic treatment saves lives.

See also: Occupational Health Awareness | Dermatitis Prevention

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