Keeping Workers Safe from Weil’s Disease

The global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has made everyone more aware of the importance of hygiene. From thoroughly washing your hands and using hand sanitiser, to refraining from touching your face and being careful in public settings, there’s a lot to take in. Since the day our company was founded, we’ve been dedicated to investing time, expertise and capital into the ongoing research and development of hygiene solutions, which we then integrate into our wipes to ensure maximum performance.

Our commitment to good health

A recent development and cause for celebration here at Dirteeze HQ was when we received the test certificate for our Rough & Smooth and Smooth & Strong wipes, as well as our newly launched Trademate Bamboo wipes. This certificate relates to Leptospira, the bacteria that can cause Weil’s disease. For anyone who works with water, such as the utilities, groundworks, construction and agricultural sectors, Weil’s disease is a very real risk that must be avoided at all costs.

How do people catch Weil’s disease?

Weil’s disease is definitely something that workers need to steer clear of, as it can be contracted when they come into contact with the blood, urine or tissue of animals and rodents that are infected with the bacteria. These animals can include cattle, pigs, rodents, and even dogs and cats. On top of this, you can catch it if you come into contact with contaminated soil or water, making it a very high risk for people who work with or around water sources.

What are the symptoms?

If you come into contact with Leptospira and contract Leptospirosis, the symptoms can be unpleasant. They’re similar to the flu, including headaches, fever, chills, aching muscles, nausea, coughing and vomiting. However, if the bacteria enters certain organs, including the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart and brain, it then develops into Weil’s disease and causes far more severe reactions. These vary greatly depending on which organs it spreads to, but a general rundown of symptoms includes fatigue, swollen hands, feet and ankles, painful swelling of the liver, shortness of breath, a rapid heartbeat and jaundice.

If it enters your brain, you’ll likely suffer from a confused mental state, aggressiveness, seizures, an aversion to light, and even the inability to speak and control your movements. Needless to say, it’s a very nasty disease and one that workers must take suitable precautions to avoid.

Then what happens?

If your doctor diagnoses you with Leptospirosis, they will prescribe you antibiotics to fight the condition, but if it progresses to Weil’s disease, chances are you’ll need to be admitted into the hospital. Such a development would be especially difficult during this time when the NHS is severely stretched, as even getting an appointment at your GP can prove a challenge right now.

What’s more, you or your key workers would need to take time off work, which if you’re in the utilities or agricultural sectors would be especially difficult when everyone is working at home and supermarket shelves are being emptied faster than ever.

Stay safe with Dirteeze

When you choose Dirteeze, you’re investing in wipes with a difference! Keep your staff safe with our  Rough & Smooth, Smooth & Strong and sustainable Trademate Bamboo wipes. Please note that due to enormous demand, some of our wipes may be temporarily out of stock. Get in touch to find out which ones are currently available and we’ll also let you know who your nearest stockist is.