Health officials are warning of a potential Leptospirosis outbreak in flood-affected districts, including Ratnapura, Galle, Kalutara, Kurunegala, Kegalle, and Matara.
So far this year, 10,000 cases of rat fever have been reported, with annual fatalities ranging from 120 to 200. The disease spreads through water contaminated by infected rat urine, entering the body via open wounds.
Symptoms include fever, red eyes, headaches, muscle pain, and reduced urine output.
The Ministry of Health urges anyone with these signs to seek immediate medical care.