A dad has given a warning to other parents after his two children had to be rushed to hospital as they were vomiting blood on returning from a trip to a beauty spot.
Lewis McElhatton, 13, and his sister Kiera, 11, pupils at Honley High School, had enjoyed a day out at Mag Brook, in Huddersfield, with around 20 other pals from school but turned very sick when they were back home.
They started projectile vomiting and their dad Kieron McElhatton took them to them to the A&E at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, reported YorkshireLive.
Kieron said his children were allowed home but then took a turn for the worse and they started vomiting blood.
Two of their friends have also become ill after the trip to dam.
Kieron, 42, of Newsome, said: "It was a shock, they were both really poorly and it's a bit scary. A doctor is coming out to check on them today as there is a risk of dehydration.
"They won't be going back to the dam for sure and I would warn other parents and anyone else thinking of going there for a swim.
"It's a shame because it is a really nice spot and everyone had been having a good time after finishing the school term a couple of days ago. There's definitely something lurking in the water.
"Our children are really ill and currently bed-bound. It was about two hours after they came home and started throwing up and couldn't keep anything down. I am waiting to hear if any of their friends have been affected too.
"I am now looking at taking them back to A&E as we've noticed there is some blood in their vomit, so it's quite worrying."
Doctors diagnosed the kids as having Weil's disease, a form of leptospirosis that is contracted from the urine of infected rats.
The bacteria gets into your body through cuts and scratches or through the lining of the mouth, throat and eyes after contact with infected urine or contaminated water.
The disease starts with flu-like symptoms such as a headache or muscle pains. More severe cases can lead to meningitis, kidney failure, and other serious conditions. In rare cases, the disease can be fatal.
Magdale Fields and Dam is a conservation area that consists of grassland, woodland and an old industrial millpond. It is bounded on one side by the River Holme and has Mag Brook running through it.
Trustee, Steve Hemming, who has lived in the area for 20 years, said: "Mag Brook is an area where in hot weather children and adults can enjoy themselves in the water. I can hear the noise from them playing in my property. I wouldn't go in it myself but historically, it has been used as a bathing area for 50 to 100 years.
"Obviously, I am very concerned. Mag Brook runs through our property but we are not responsible for the condition of the water. Clearly people need to be aware of the risks. Weil's disease is a serious illness and it must be awful for the parents concerned."
