Leptospirosis , Weil's Disease (렙토스피라증, 웨일씨병)

Two types of leptospirosis infection can affect workers.  Weil’s disease is a serious and sometimes fatal infection.

Leptospirosis is an infectious bacterial disease occurring in rodents, dogs, and other mammals, which can be trasmitted to humans

There are two types:

Weil's Disease : This is transmitted to humans by contact with urine from infected rats

 

The hardjo form of Leptospirosis : This is transmitted from cattle to humans

 

the bacteria can get into the body through cuts and scratches and through the lining of the mouth, throat and eyes after contact with infected urine or contaminated water, such as in sewers, ditches, ponds and slow-flowing rivers.

[Hazards]

·  The bacteria can get into the body through cuts and scratches and through the lining of the mouth, throat and eyes.

·  The bacteria can exist in infected urine or in areas such as in sewers, ditches, ponds and slow flowing rivers.

·  Poor welfare facilities.

·  Poor hygiene standards.

 

 

[Health and Safety Points]

How can infection be prevented:

·  Get rid of rats.

·  Keep food waste in suitable container.

·  Wear adequate PPE waterproof gloves where there is a risk of infection, eg in sewers.

·  Cover all cuts and broken skin before and during work with waterproof plasters.

·  Wear the correct protective clothing for the job.

·  Always wash hands before eating, drinking or smoking.

 

What are the Symptoms:

·  Both diseases, Weils and Hardjo start with a flu like illness with a persistent and severe headache.

 

What to do:

·  Go to you Doctor.

·  Explain your work or where and what you have been doing.  Infection can take place out side of work, eg persons fishing in ponds, lakes and rivers where there are rats.

·  If your employer has issued you a leptospirosis card, give it to your doctor.

·  There are relatively few cases per year (average 6 to 10) so that some Doctors may have little or no knowledge of the disease.

 

렙토스피라증에 걸리면 가벼운 감기증상부터 황달, 급성 신부전, 피부나 점막 출혈 등을 보이는 웨일씨병(Weil's disease)까지 다양한 증상을 보인다. 제1기(패혈증기) 때는 렙토스피라가 혈액, 뇌척수액 및 대부분의 조직에서 검출되고 갑작스러운 발열, 오한, 결막부종, 두통, 근육통, 오심, 구토 등의 독감 유사증상이 4~5일간 지속된다. 제2기(면역기) 때는 뇌막자극증상, 발진, 포도막염, 근육통 등을 보이며 15~80%가 무균성 수막염 증상을 보인다. 이 때 간부전, 신부전, 급성호흡부전, 중증 출혈 등 합병증으로 사망하는 경우도 있다. - 출처: Chosunbiz