The Ministry of Health has issued a warning of a possible outbreak of Letospirosis known commonly as Rat Fever in flood-affected areas. Already ten Leptospirosis patients have been reported from Polonnaruwa district within one week
According to the Health Ministry a high number of Leptospirosis patients had been reported from all three districts in the Western Province, Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara. Kegalle, Kurunegala, Ratnapura, Matara and Galle are the other districts badly affected by the disease.
The Ministry communiqué says that the public should be vigilant about any type of fever, muscle and joint pain, headaches, and reddishness in the eyes.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health 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.
The Ministry communique further said that 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, and they should drink plenty of water while working.
The tablets give around 90 percent protection for a period of one week. Then they should take two tablets again until they finish their work. Public have also been requested to avoid contaminated water, such as, flood water, and to keep paddy fields clean without garbage. Farmers and people work in the fields who have wounds or open injuries on their legs have been advised to cover them properly before stepping into paddy fields.(niz)