Parents in Calne are being warned about the risk of Weil’s disease from rat-contaminated water in the River Marden near Doctors Pond.
The warning follows reports of rats being seen near the footbridge at Doctors Pond, in areas where children have been playing by the river.
Cllr Jeremy Percy, Calne Town Councillor for Calne Central Ward, said increased river activity had prompted his warning.
“With the recent spell of warmer weather, combined with the half term holidays, more children and young people are playing in or near the River Marden and the Abberd Brook,” he said.
He also criticised water quality in the area. “Unfortunately, the water companies have failed miserably to keep our rivers clean and this means that they represent a potential hazard to health for anyone coming into contact with them.”
Cllr Percy warned that, in addition to general pollution concerns, there is a specific risk of Weil’s disease - also known as leptospirosis.
“For anyone in the vicinity of the Doctors Pond, a major additional threat is that of Weil’s disease,” he said.
The disease, which can be transmitted through water contaminated by rat urine, often causes mild symptoms such as fever, headaches and muscle pain, but in more serious cases can lead to organ failure.
Cllr Percy said rats had recently been seen in close proximity to children playing near the footbridge. “This week, rats, attracted in part by bread left there for the ducks, have been seen running past children playing by the footbridge there.”
He urged parents to make sure children understand the risks and take precautions. “Certainly, no one with open cuts should come into contact with the river water and in all cases, washing hands with anti-bacterial liquid and soap is paramount,” he said.
“But kids being kids, parents should make sure that they understand the risks and act accordingly.”
Cllr Percy added that he has contacted Wiltshire Council leader Ian Thorn regarding the issue, with the council responsible for addressing the rat population.
“It is a tragedy that warnings like this should have to be issued, but it is vital that the risks are understood by parents and children,” he said.
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