December 11, Colombo (LNW): Health authorities in Sri Lanka are investigating a sudden outbreak of an unidentified fever in the Jaffna District, raising alarm across the region.
The Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health has launched an inquiry to identify the disease and assess its potential links to leptospirosis, commonly known as ‘rat fever’.
Preliminary tests are currently underway to determine the cause of the illness, which has affected several individuals.
Dr. Kumudu Weerakoon, a senior official from the Epidemiology Unit, addressed the growing concern at a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau on 11th December.
She reported that many patients in the affected areas have been displaying symptoms such as high fever and respiratory distress.
Health authorities are actively collecting samples from these patients in order to confirm the specific nature of the disease.
Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection transmitted through water contaminated by animal urine, remains a major health concern in Sri Lanka.
The country recorded over 9,000 cases of the disease in 2023, leading to nearly 200 fatalities.
Dr. Weerakoon highlighted that the number of leptospirosis cases this year has already surpassed the figures from the same period last year, raising further alarm among public health officials.
The disease primarily affects individuals who work in environments involving exposure to water and mud, such as farmers, miners, and those living in flood-prone areas.
With recent heavy rains and flooding caused by Cyclone Fengal, which has led to the displacement of thousands in Jaffna, the risk of leptospirosis transmission has increased significantly.
Additionally, the iconic Nallur Temple and the A9 main road to Jaffna were both severely impacted by the floods, further complicating the situation.
Dr. Weerakoon outlined the typical symptoms of leptospirosis, which include a high fever, muscle pain, red eyes, vomiting, headaches, body aches, blood in the urine, and reduced urination.
If left untreated, the infection can cause severe damage to vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, and brain, and in extreme cases, it can be fatal.
The Ministry of Health is prioritising early detection and treatment to prevent further complications and protect lives. Dr. Weerakoon urged individuals, particularly those engaged in water-related occupations, to seek immediate medical care if they exhibit any symptoms.
The Ministry is also providing free antibiotics to individuals at high risk, such as those in flood-affected regions or involved in occupations like paddy farming and mining.
These antibiotics can be obtained from Public Health Inspectors through the relevant Medical Officer of Health offices.
