Three rat fever deaths in Anuradhapura

Amila PRABATH WANASINGHE and Anuradhapura

Central Special

Rat fever (Leptospirosis) has caused three deaths and infected 34 others in Anuradhapura during February.

Anuradhapura Zonal Health Services Director Dr Palitha Bandara said that 55 patients suffering from rat fever had been reported since Janaury 2011.

The disease has a tendency to affect those between 30 to 50 years, especially people working in paddy fields, he added. The floods which prevailed during the past few weeks in the area have caused the disease to spread quickly.

Dr Bandara said that most patients are reported from Kahatagasdigiliya, Palagala, Thirappane, Talawa, Horowpothana, Anuradhapura Madyama Nuwaragamapalatha and Negenahira Nuwaragamapalatha.

He requested farmers to take precautions if they have wounds or cuts before working in fields.

Meanwhile, Anuradhapura forensic medical officer Dr D L Waidyaratne said that although the deceased had symptoms of Leptospirosis, the cause of the death should be determined after thorough investigations.