Rat fever warning as rainy season begins

Nadira Gunatilleke

The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry warned the public on a possible outbreak of Leptospirosis (Rat Fever) with the on going scattered showers and the rainy season which will commence soon.

A Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman said around 2,100 persons infected with Leptospirosis have been reported this year (within the last eight months) and 81 had died. When comparing with last year there is around a 50 percent decrease in Leptospirosis this year.

The spokesman warned of a possibility of Leptospirosis spreading within the next rainy season.

The majority of the affected persons belong to the country's work force who are between the ages of 35 and 55," he said

According to the spokesman Colombo, Gampaha, Matara, Matale, Kandy and Kegalle have been badly affected.

This is the harvesting season and farmers work in paddy fields. Persons with cuts and wounds (open injuries) in their legs should cover them properly before stepping into paddy fields, he said.

Vulnerable people including farmers, persons cleaning drains, working in mines, marshy lands, canals and persons who swim or play in contaminated water should contact the PHI or MOH and obtain Doxycychine tablets and should take two tablets before they start work.

The tablets gives around 90 percent protection for one week. Then they should take two tablets again until they finish their work.