DOCTORS have warned of the need for greater public awareness of the dangers of Weil's disease following the death of a Dublin man from the infection, which is carried by rats.
Mr David Bailey, a 40 year old sales representative from Dublin, died last month, two weeks after contracting the disease.
Mr Bailey was playing golf in the Craddockstown golf club in Kildare. He was recovering a ball from a ditch when a rat ran up his leg and urinated. Mr Bailey took little notice as he had not been bitten. Two weeks later, he was taken to hospital after he became severely jaundiced. He died from kidney failure, a symptom of Weil's disease.
Last year, there were 23 cases of the disease, which is spread through rat's urine. Symptoms include fever, headaches and muscle pain but in a few cases it can be life threatening.
Weil's disease is the severest form of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection common in wild and domestic animals. Although dogs and cats can have it, rats carry the strains most harmful to humans. The infection is transmitted through breaks in the skin, or the eyes, nose or mouth.
Doctors yesterday warned sports enthusiasts, particularly those involved in water sports, to be aware of the disease and to take precautions.
People were warned not to go swimming or boating in water which is polluted by rats. Any cuts or abrasions should be covered with a waterproof dressing and people should always shower after water activities, according to the Eastern Health Board.
Friends last night described Mr Bailey as a good humoured man who loved a game of golf. Mr Frank O'Reilly, secretary of the Craddockstown golf club, said everyone at the club was "shocked and saddened". "This club is no different to any other. It could have happened anywhere - it is a country problem.
"David was a member of the committee here. He was hardworking, and an excellent golfer who really enjoyed the game.