December 13, 2024 10:49 AM.
In Sri Lanka, seven individuals have been confirmed dead at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital due to leptospirosis, commonly known as rat fever. The Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit confirmed this after conducting laboratory tests on samples collected from the deceased. Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and continuing investigations to prevent further fatalities.
The illness is being attributed to the recent heavy rains and flooding. The northern region of the country was severely impacted by the adverse weather conditions caused by Cyclone Fengal. Health Ministry has said that it is prioritising early detection and treatment to prevent further complications. Free antibiotics are being provided to high-risk individuals, such as those in flood-affected regions or involved in occupations like paddy farming and mining.
The recent outbreak of a fever in Jaffna that has claimed seven lives has reportedly been identified as Leptospirosis, commonly referred to as “rat fever,” according to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health Epidemiology Unit.
In response to the outbreak, a specialised team from Colombo’s Infectious Diseases Unit, led by Dr. Prabha Abeykoon, visited Jaffna to conduct further investigations. The team conducted research at Jaffna Hospital and engaged in discussions with hospital staff, including Dr. Sathyamoorthy and General Practitioner T. Peranandaraja, to better understand the spread of the disease.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection often transmitted to humans through water contaminated by the urine of infected animals, including rats. Symptoms can include fever, headaches, and respiratory complications, and severe cases can result in death. The disease is particularly prevalent in areas with poor sanitation or during flooding, where contaminated water becomes a significant risk.