Canoeing Ireland is currently conducting a survey for new research at UCD aimed to reduce the risk of Weil's disease infection among Irish paddlers.
Those who have at one time contracted a medically confirmed case of Weil's disease (Leptospirosis) are being sought to complete a questionnaire to improve understanding and awareness about the disease in Ireland's waterways.
Weil's disease is a bacterial disease contracted by exposure to water contaminated by animal urine, often from rats. Symptoms are usually flu-like in the early stages, progressing to meningitis, liver damage and renal failure if left untreated.
Canoeing Ireland advises that all information submitted will be handled in the strictest confidence and will only be shared with researchers directly involved with the project.