Rat fever follows the rains

By Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa, Dambulla Corr

Rat fever patients at the Dambulla base hospital

Three deaths were reported this week from Dambulla and Kekirawa due to leptospirosis (rat fever), which is fast spreading in the Dambulla area following the monsoon rains.

Dambulla hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Sudharshana Arambegedara said that 34 cases were reported during April and they were on the increase.

“For the past four months 91 persons were admitted to the Dambulla hospital and received treatment for rat fever.

Farmers are more exposed to this disease. The majority of the patients were males and farmers in the area,” he said.

According to Dr. Arambegedara, persons suffering from high temperature, intense body and muscle aches, headaches and jaundice should be admitted to a Government hospital immediately.

“Early treatment is very important. If neglected it could cause heart or renal failure and be one of the deadliest diseases,” he said.