The Ministry of Health has reported 75 cases of Leptospirosis, commonly known as Rat Fever in the Northern Province this month, with five patients currently receiving treatment in hospitals. Tragically, eight people have died from the disease in the region.
Across Sri Lanka, nearly 12,000 cases of Leptospirosis have been reported this year, along with over 200 deaths.
The Ministry’s epidemiology unit has advised the public to seek immediate medical care if they experience symptoms such as a high fever lasting several days, a flat red rash with small bumps on the hands and feet that appears 2 to 4 days after the fever starts, swollen, red, or painful joints, severe muscle pain, headaches, vomiting, or a sore throat.
These could indicate Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that requires timely treatment to prevent serious complications.
