Leptospirosis warning

Chaminda PERERA

The Health Ministry yesterday warned people in the Anuradhapura and Pollonnaruwa districts of a possible outbreak of leptospirosis due to the recent floods that resulted in overflowing of tanks and waterways.

Four out of 50 patients who were diagnosed with the leptospirosis died in the Anuradhapura district during the last three weeks. The Ministry jointly with the Agrarian Services and Wildlife Ministry has launched awareness programs in flood affected areas in the North Central Province.

One thousand four hundred and seventy nine leptospirosis cases were reported from the two districts from January 01 this year and antibiotics were provided to all MOH offices where confirmed leptospirosis cases were reported.

According to Health Ministry spokesman, Doxycyline tablets are given to the people, particularly farmers who are vulnerable to this disease through the Public Health Inspectors. He said this type of antibiotic is acting as prophylaxis to prevent the disease.

The Ministry reported over 4,545 confirmed leptospirosis cases last year and 122 persons died during the course of the year.

The Health Ministry said Epidemiological Unit over 30 confirmed cases were reported from the Colombo district last month.

He said the number of leptospirosis cases in the Kurunegala district is on the increase. The number of confirmed cases in the Kurunegala district has increased to 23 by February 21 as against 16 cases reported during the course of last month.

The highest number of confirmed cases were reported from Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts. This bacteria in the urine of rats is spreading in stagnated water in paddy fields.