http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11625889 How sad that such a fit chap has been taken by this disease. As it says there are very few cases each year and for many it can go undetected as it displays flu like symptoms and they recover. Reminds us that zoonoses still need to be taken seriously and considered. When I was a 'young' inspector I remember sitting with a farmers wife (he had no time to listen to me...!!!) and talking about Weils disease and giving her the HSE little pocket card. Many many months later she rang me to say her husband had actually contracted it and it was only when she nagged him to see the Dr it was diagnosed. Rare in two elements - someone saying thank you and a weils disease being diagnosed!!!

I was shocked and sad to read about Holmes' death in today's papers. Thanks for highlighting the HSE' 'little red card'; where's the best place to get a copy?

Afternoon, Remember not just water sport enthusiasts, people engaged in vegetation management can contact the disease from contaminated leaves/grasses/weeds etc. This could be anybody working in their garden, we are never too far away from rats and their urine. Remember the hygiene basics, wear gloves and wash your hands before eating/drinking/smoking. Take Care

I fully agree with Brett, a person suspecting weils, must insist on a blood test. Here in Ireland it takes a few days before the results of a blood test comes back. I understand doctors put the patient on antibotics while they await the results. It is a disease you cant delay treatment with. I have heard of a builder who is now blind as a result of contracting this disease.I have also heard of a person who got the disease, ignored it at the start, then got treated for the flu, this person wasted away, and died in about a month ago. Patients might delay going to the doctor, which they should not, they may think it is the flu, it is essential that anyone who may have been exposed to where there were rats, and get flu like symptoms go to the doctor and point it out. Problem is many can be exposed to rats and not be aware of their presence.

Reiterating the point made by Seamus really - it is not just rivers - even garden sheds (where the kids might keep the hay for the rabbit), stables and vegetation where the little critters are to be found. Apparently the trouble is rats are incontinent and pee almost constantly (nice...Anyone eating their lunch??). The lepto from cows is produced in cow urine - particularly vulnerable is the dairyworkers who stand at low level behind the 'business' end - so when the cow pees they get an aerosol!!! This very sad loss will hopefully raise the awareness at all levels - activity centres, farms, schools, grounds maintenance etc etc