The 64-year-old, who has not been named, was taken to hospital 11 days after he became caught up in the devastating floods which swept across the country’s eastern Moravian-Silesian region last month.

After complaining of leg pain, walking disorders, weakness and confusion, doctors found the man had contracted the disease, also known as leptospirosis or Weil’s disease.

The disease is spread through the urine and feces of infected animals, usually rodents, wildlife and farm animals.

Štěpánka Čechová, spokeswoman for the State Health Institute said: “The man probably drank the flood water, but the infection could have entered his body in other ways, for example through broken skin.

“His condition still requires a stay in the hospital.”

Victims often complain of high fevers and flu-like symptoms which, if not treated, can result in organ failure or inflammation of membranes protecting the brain and spinal cord.

Zuzana Babišová, director of the Moravian-Silesian Regional Hygiene Station, said: “Every year, less than a dozen people get sick from it, and on average one person dies a year.

“We know that after the floods in 1997, almost a hundred people became infected and four died.

“The situation was similar even after the great flood in 2002.”

She added: “It is important to note that leptospirosis is not transmissible from person to person, so there is no need to look for contacts of the sick person.

“It is necessary to repeat and emphasize prevention by scrupulous maintenance of hygiene and the use of protective equipment.”