At least 58 persons have been infected with leptospirosis (rat fever) in Jaffna district alone as health authorities confirmed six deaths of patients this week, Regional Director of Health Services Dr. A. Ketheeswaran said.
The top health official noted that the infection is on the rise following the recent flooding situation in several parts of the district including Vadamarachchi, Thenmarachchi and coastal areas.
Farming communities, workers who clean canals and those who were affected recently due to floods also requested to take precautionary measures and seek treatment immediately if they are down with fever, the office of Regional Health Services said.
The main symptoms of rat fever are abrupt onset of high fever, mild flu, chills, conjunctive suffusion, muscle tenderness (notable in calf and lumber areas), intense headache, jaundice area and decrease of passing urine.
An expert team from the Epidemiology Unit in Colombo also visited the district this week to monitor the measures taken by regional authorities as well. (Northeastern Monitor/December 13/2024)
Post a Comment