Fiskville virus a joke between recruits

It started as a joke between recruits, but the "Fiskville virus" might be more sinister than first thought.

Diarrhoea, nausea and full body rashes were a constant result of spending time at the Fiskville training grounds, according to United Firefighters Union spokesman Mick Tisbury.

An MFB fire fighter himself, Mr Tisbury spent a decade on and off at Fiskville, first as a trainee and then as a trainer.

"We used to joke about it being the Fiskville virus," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"You'd come back with skin rashes and gastrointestinal difficulties.

"Luckily for me, after about a week it would come good, but others have been covered in complete body rashes."

When asked whether firefighters should sue the state government, the MFB and CFA, Mr Tisbury said being able to claim compensation would mean that he and others would have to be still sick.

"You can throw as much money as you like at me, I'd much rather have my health than money," he said.

"I hope it never opens again and I hope out people will get some long-term medical monitoring."