Rat bite fever victim 'really lucky' to have survived

A man struck down with the rare 'rat bite fever' has told how lucky he feels to have survived after reaching phase four of the infection.

Vomiting, headaches and a rash form the early stages of the disease - officially known as Streptobacillus moniliformis - followed by pains in the wrists, hands and other joints. Chris Hammond had reached that stage before doctors realised what was making him ill.

If they hadn't caught it when they did, it could have gone on to cause organ failure - and potentially even death.

Worldwide, the disease proves fatal for one in four people who contract it.