Following extensive tests on multiple samples, the fever outbreak that has claimed seven lives in northern Sri Lanka has been identified as leptospirosis, commonly known as ‘rat fever,’ the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health confirmed yesterday (11).
At a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau, health authorities expressed concerns over the rapid spread of an unidentified fever in the Jaffna District. Dr. Kumudu Weerakoon from the Epidemiology Unit explained that patients in the affected areas were presenting with fever and respiratory issues, prompting health officials to collect samples to determine the cause.
Dr. Weerakoon further highlighted that leptospirosis remains a significant public health concern in Sri Lanka. In 2023, the country recorded over 9,000 cases of rat fever, resulting in nearly 200 fatalities. Alarmingly, the number of cases reported this year has already exceeded the figures recorded during the same period last year.
She warned that individuals exposed to water and mud—such as paddy farmers, miners, and flood-affected communities—are particularly vulnerable to contracting the disease.
Meanwhile, Jaffna Hospital Director Dr. T. Sathyamoorthy confirmed that the death toll in the district had risen to five as of yesterday. The deceased, aged between 20 and 65, succumbed to fever and respiratory complications. While leptospirosis is the suspected cause, Dr. Sathyamoorthy noted that blood samples have been sent to Colombo for further testing to confirm the diagnosis.
Leptospirosis, caused by bacteria transmitted through the urine of infected animals, underscores the urgent need for enhanced preventive measures, particularly in high-risk areas and during periods of flooding.
