Galway East TD Micheál Kitt has launched a leaflet on Weil's Disease on behalf of Irish Water Safety.

Weil's Disease, also known as Leptospirosis, is an acute infectious disease which is caused by different types of one bacteria of which there are over 200 known strains. It is spread in the urine of infected animals, often rats, and in water or soil contaminated with infected urine.

The infection enters through broken, grazed or cut skin especially on the hands and feet and sometimes through the lining of the mouth, nose and eyes. Symptoms are similar to influenza, and, if Weil's Disease is not treated promptly, can be fatal. The Minister advised anyone who suspects that they may have contracted the disease, to seek medical advice without delay.

Minister Kitt thanked Friendly Systems for their sponsorship of the leaflet. He urged farmers and others involved in outdoor activities, including sewer workers, refuse collectors, boating enthusiasts, miners, hill walkers and campers to get a copy of the leaflet from Irish Water Safety or from the Water Safety Development Officer in county and city council offices. It is available from the Irish Water Safety office at the Long Walk, Galway and will also be circulated in forthcoming editions of the Farm and Plant Guide and the Farmers' Journal.

The leaflet may also be downloaded from the Irish Water Safety website www.iws.ie.

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