Rat fever cases surge in Sri Lanka amid monsoon rains

By Poojathmi Rivithma

Colombo, June 11 (Daily Mirror) - Health authorities in Sri Lanka are grappling with a significant rise in Leptospirosis, commonly known as rat fever, the Health Promotion Breau said.

Consultant of the Epidemiology Unit, Dr. Thushani Dabrera said that the rat fever bacteria enters the body through cuts, broken skin or mucous membranes when exposed to water or soil contaminated with infected animal urine.

High-risk areas include the Ratnapura, Kurunegala, Kegalle and Kalutara areas making it the most affected in the country.

She said that cases usually increase between March to May and again from October to December each year.

Experts urge that symptoms like high fever, headache, joint pain, muscle pain and red eyes should not be ignored and advise seeking medical attention promptly to prevent complications.