Weil’s disease is caused by Leptospira bacteria. If your infection is mild, it’s known as leptospirosis. If you develop a severe infection, it’s known as Weil’s disease. Leptospira bacteria typically infect some farm animals, dogs, and rodents.
Occupational risk
There are several occupations that increase your risk of contracting leptospirosis. This risk is most significant if you are working in higher risk countries, rather than in the UK. These occupations include:
- farmers, particularly pig, cattle and rice farmers
- sewage workers
- people who regularly work with animals, such as vets
- freshwater fishermen
- people who work with dead animals, such as butchers or abattoir workers
Read about preventing leptospirosis for advice about how to reduce your risk of contracting the disease. Click here for a fact sheet you can read, download or print.