Ticks & Weils Disease

Tick prevention

We are aware that Ticks are on the increase in the UK as farmers have stopped routinely dipping their sheep to kill them, so they are to be found anywhere out in the wild therefore suggest the following points to minimise the risk of Tick bites and infection:-

● Wear the right type of clothing to avoid tick bites. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers tucked into socks can keep ticks away from the skin on your arms and legs when hiking through tick infested areas(long grass, ferns etc). Shorts, crocks etc. are only suitable to be worn where the grass is mown short

● Stick to light-coloured clothing. Ticks are easier to spot when they land on light colours.

● Avoid hiking in dense, brushy areas where ticks are usually found.

● Use camping chairs and picnic tables if available. Don't sit directly on the ground or a wooden log. Ticks do not fly. They crawl from the ground up onto warm-blooded creatures to get their next meal.

● Check yourself and your companions for ticks regularly.. By checking yourself constantly during your camping trip, the chances of experiencing tick diseases are reduced. If you find something, consult a leader immediately.

● If anybody suspects a tick or a bite they must see the medical officer or leader asap for inspection. Also not all tick bites present as shown in the photo and therefore are more difficult to diagnose.

● A tick must be removed by somebody who knows how to do it properly, if not removed properly or if brushed off deliberately or accidentally there is a risk of breaking the body off and leaving the head in the skin. There are risks to this, such as some nasty bacterial infections which can lead to serious illness.

Weil's Disease

What is it?

Weil’s disease is a bacterial infection carried in rat’s urine which can contaminate water and wet river banks. The bacteria do not survive long in dry conditions. Fast running water (such as the River Avon) is safer that stagnant water such as canals. Weil’s disease can cause serious illness requiring hospital treatment and can lead to kidney or liver failure.

How is it caught?

The bacteria are absorbed through the skin and through the mucous membrane of the eyes and mouth. It can get into your bloodstream more easily if you have a minor cut on your skin or if you do capsize drills or rolling.

What can the Scouts do to prevent infection?

Firstly to note the risk of catching Weil's disease from moving water and large bodies of water (such as Windermere) is low, however the Scouts should be washing hands whenever they come back from boating with soap and especially before eating or putting hands near the mouth. Any cuts or grazes should be covered up with waterproof dressings before they go boating - if they go to medical parade they can get this sorted.

What do you as parents need to be aware of?

The symptoms of Weil's disease may not be immediately obvious to us and may occur once your child returns from camp, therefore the signs and symptoms you should be looking out for are: a temperature, influenza like illness, and joint and muscle pains. Tell their doctor they have been boating and where and ask him if they can have a blood test for Weil’s disease. The 2nd Warwick Sea Scout Group takes every effort to ensure that your son or daughter is not exposed to any undue risk that might increase the likelihood of contracting Leptospirosis as a result of water based activities.

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