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Leptospirosis

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kmck:
http://www.leptospirosis.org/

Basically this is a disease that can and does affect kayakers. At present we know that most cases reported among Kayakers in Ireland originate from the liffey particulary from the sluice. I'm part of a project which is testing water in the area. This is ongoing and we don't have results yet. It will also involve alot more work to get a clear pisture of the risk factors abiotic and biotic before we can make big difinative statements.

Here is what we can say
When it's dry it's dead. So dry your wet gear and boats after paddling in the liffey. Don't leave them to percolate for a few days in a dry bag.
If it's too cold the disease can't survive in water anything above 10c is a risk factor.
Cover cuts with water proof bandages. I've been thinking spray on bandages might be a better option for paddling. There are a number of liquid bandages on the market.
Shower after being in the liffey.
Use dry handwash before eating after the liffey.

Symptoms
Flu like symptoms developing within 10 to 14 days of exposure.
http://www.leptospirosis.org/topic.php?t=30

If you've questions you're lucky enough to have Jer to ask as he had it. It is rare but it does happen and forewarned is forearmed.

TL;DR
1. It's really really really rare.
2. If you've got a flu 1-2 weeks after a river trip tell your doctor.
3. It's really really really goddamn rare. There are significantly more lottery winners a year in Ireland than there are reported cases of leptospirosis.

Eoghan:
But also to say to freshers - this is just to make you aware of it. Same as above - it is RARE! and any chance of catching it can be kept very low by washing your hands after the trip and before eating etc...

Jer:
Also, you won't get it from swallowing water, it can't cope in low* pH conditions.

Not that you should be drinking liffey water in the first place.

REALLY REALLY REALLY BLOODY RARE

*the leaving certs been a long time...

Ley-Ley:
Don't fool around with Eoghan either, that's a sure way to get it, ask Jer.

kmck:
Cough cough low pH your mouth is around 5 your stomach around 1-2. Even your mouth as you sleep drops to 4. Lepto like 6-9 range higher kills it lower kills it. Rare, very rare but good to be cautious.

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