Over 2,840 rat fever cases in four months

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The Health Ministry warns the public on the rapidly increasing numbers of Rat Fever (Leptospirosis) cases in the country. Around 2840 Rat Fever patients had been reported from all parts of the country while 31 patients (most of them farmers) had died from the disease during past four months, Health Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, the Ministry requests persons in high risk groups such as farmers, labourers who clean drains, miners, persons who work in marshy lands, canals and persons who swim or play in contaminated water to contact the nearest MOH and obtain two Doxycychine tablets free of charge before they start their work.

The tablets give around 90 percent protection for a period of one week. Then they should take another two tablets again until they finish their work. The public should avoid contaminated water such as flood water. Paddy fields should be kept clean without garbage and places with still water.

The highest number of deaths, seven had been reported from Hambantota district. Four deaths each reported from Matara and Kurunegala district respectively. Three deaths each reported from the Gampaha and Anuradhapura district respectively. The highest number of patients, 1039 had been reported from the Kurunegala district. The number of patients reported from the Gampaha district was 244. The number of patients reported from Hambantota was 212, he said.

March 2011 recorded the highest number, 1576 of rat fever patients. The prevailing rainy weather condition is the main reason behind this situation. Other vector born diseases such as Dengue can be increased due to the present rainy weather conditions. The public should take all precautionary measures to avoid contaminated water and to destroy mosquito breeding places to prevent a possible outbreak of such diseases, he added.