Rat Fever warning in flood-affected areas

Ten patients reported from Polonnaruwa:

Nadira Gunatilleke

The Health Ministry warned the public of a possible outbreak of Rat Fever (Letospirosis) in flood-affected areas.

The public should be vigilant about any type of fever. Ten Leptospirosis patients have been reported from Polonnaruwa district within one week, a Health Ministry spokesman said. According to the spokesman, a high number of Leptospirosis patients had been reported from all three districts in the Western Province. Kegalle, Kurunegala, Ratnapura, Matara and Galle are the other districts badly affected by the disease.

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena has instructed health officials to raise awareness in the public on rat fever and preventive measures and to make available Doxycycline tablets freely at MOH offices. “Vulnerable people, such as, farmers, persons who clean drains, persons who work in mines, marsh lands, canals and persons who swim or play in contaminated water should contact the nearest PHI or MOH office. Two Doxycycline tablets should be taken before the start of their daily duties. They should drink plenty of water while working.

The tablets gives around 90 percent protection for a period of one week. Then they should take two tablets again until they finish their work, “he said. Meanwhile, Epidemiology Unit Directress Dr. Mrs. Paba Palihawadana said the public should avoid contaminated water, such as, flood water. “Paddy fields should be kept clean without garbage. This is the harvesting season and farmers work in paddy fields. Persons who have wounds (open injuries) on their legs should cover them properly before stepping into paddy fields,” Dr. Palihawadana said.