• Epidemiologists call for patients symptomatic for leptospirosis to seek urgent medical attention 
• Proper waste mgt. and env. cleanliness, and not bathing in unknown water bodies, urged 

The Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health said that an unidentified fever is spreading in the Jaffna District, raising concerns among the health authorities. 

Meanwhile, the death toll from the unidentified fever spreading in Jaffna has risen to five, according to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital’s Director Dr. T. Sathyamoorthy. Speaking at a media briefing, Dr. Sathyamoorthy confirmed that the deceased, aged between 20 and 65, succumbed to the fever and respiratory complications. 

While the illness is suspected to be leptospirosis, commonly known as rat fever, he stated that blood samples have been sent to Colombo for further testing to confirm the diagnosis. Previously, three deaths were reported from this illness. 

The health authorities have since launched investigations to determine the nature of the disease, with preliminary tests underway to assess whether it is related to leptospirosis. Detailed investigations are underway to identify the exact nature of the disease. The health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with measures being taken to contain the spread of the illness and provide necessary medical care to the affected individuals. 

Dr. Kumudu Weerakoon of the unit addressed the issue at a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau yesterday (11). She explained that patients in the affected areas are presenting with fever and respiratory issues. 

Health officials are collecting samples from these individuals to confirm the exact cause of the illness, Dr. Weerakoon added.

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria that affects humans as well as animals and is spread by the urine of infected animals like rats. Leptospirosis continues to be a major health concern in Sri Lanka. Last year (2023), the country recorded over 9,000 cases of rat fever, resulting in nearly 200 deaths. 

Dr. Weerakoon revealed that the number of reported cases this year, around 10,000, has already surpassed those recorded during the same period last year. She emphasised that individuals engaged in occupations involving exposure to water and mud, such as paddy farming and mining, as well as those affected by floods, are particularly vulnerable to the disease. 

The risk of contracting rat fever is particularly high among farmers, gem miners and workers who engage in cleaning waste or drainages. Cases are frequently reported in districts such as Ratnapura, Galle, Kegalle, Matara, Kalutara, Monaragala and Kurunegala. Dr. Weerakoon highlighted the symptoms of leptospirosis, which include high fever, severe muscle pain, red eyes, vomiting, headache, body aches, blood in urine, and decreased urination. 

If untreated, the illness can cause significant damage to vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, and brain, and in severe cases, it can be fatal. Dr. Weerakoon urged individuals experiencing symptoms to seek immediate medical attention, noting that timely intervention is critical to recovery. She stressed the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent complications and save lives.  

To combat the spread of the disease, the Ministry is providing free antibiotics to individuals at high risk, including those involved in water-related occupations. These antibiotics can be obtained from Public Health Inspectors attached to the relevant Medical Officer of Health offices, Dr. Weerakoon noted.

The prevailing weather has created a situation that is favourable for the spread of leptospirosis, which calls for steps such as proper garbage management and maintaining clean environments in order to reduce the spread of animals such as rats. 

Noting this, Dr. Weerakoon cautioned that in a context where there are many groups whose professions involve coming into physical contact with soil and water contaminated by the bacteria that causes rat fever, both precautions and prompt responses to early symptoms are necessary. She pointed out the importance of taking seriously the early symptoms of the disease which some may consider to be insignificant. 

Highlighting farmers as a key group that is facing the risk of contracting rat fever due to the nature of their profession, Dr. Weerakoon added that the recent rainy period has posed a threat to other groups including those working in flood affected areas and those engaged in jobs near water bodies and muddy areas. Preventing direct physical contact with water and mud was recommended. 

“It is not only those engaged in paddy cultivation who are in a high-risk situation,” she stressed, adding that revealing to health professionals the risky conditions in which one functions is important for effective treatment.

The Health Ministry also advised individuals to avoid bathing in unknown and potentially unclean bodies of water. “We advise people to avoid dirty and unclean water, especially if they have wounds,” Dr. Weerakoon elaborated.