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Alert raised over recurrence of flu, rat fever, and dengue
View(s):Health professionals are expressing concern over a rise in seasonal illnesses as a result of the intense monsoon rains.
Nutrition Specialist Dr. Renuka Jayatissa told the Sunday Times that children and the elderly are the most susceptible groups to respiratory illnesses.
She recommends wearing face masks.
Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital’s consultant paediatrician, Dr. Deepal Perera, said that “leptospirosis,” also referred to as rat fever, is a concern.
Leptospirosis can spread to flooded areas where the urine of infected animals contaminates the environment. Pic by Hiran Priyankara
Leptospirosis can spread to flooded areas where the urine of infected animals contaminates the environment, Dr. Perera said.
He advised those who present symptoms like persistent fever, headache, red eyes, or pain in their abdomen or muscles to seek medical care.
Data show that rat fever occurs year-round.
Dr. Perera also said the influenza virus tends to spread during the rainy season.
“Anyone can fall victim, but children are particularly vulnerable. If infected, older people may experience more severe symptoms. While some people may simply experience a high fever, cough, and body aches, others may potentially develop pneumonia,” Dr. Perera said.
Due to contaminated water sources, diarrhoeal illnesses occur during the monsoon season.
Symptoms are varied. In addition to acute gastroenteritis (loose bowel movement), symptoms include fever, headache, bloating, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.
“Higher humidity and moist environments tend to increase the risk of respiratory infections. During the rainy season, we frequently find an increase in cases of the common cold, influenza, and asthma exacerbations. Therefore, it is critical to keep warm and dry and to contact a doctor if you experience chronic respiratory issues.’’
Professor in Applied Nutrition and Vice President of the Nutrition Society of Sri Lanka, Dr. Ananda Chandrasekara, advised people to eat a balanced, home-cooked diet to lower their chance of developing infections. “Make an effort to increase your intake of organic fruit and veggies. Make sure, you use natural spices when preparing meals,” he said.
Dr. Ananda Jayalal of the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) added that community awareness programmes are being done with the assistance of the Medical Offices of Health (MOH), Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and regional epidemiologists to help prevent a potential dengue outbreak.
The Medical Officer of Health of the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU), Dr. Sashini Ranweera, said attempts to eliminate the dengue vectors have been less effective since the community is not adequately involved.
| Thousands of rat fever infections reported annually Rat fever, a zoonotic disease, is common in Sri Lanka, especially among farmers, miners, and manual workers, figures show. Up to the third week of January, there have been more than 1,000 infections. Most infections have been reported from Ratnapura (136) and Kegalle (139). In Colombo, there were 23 cases, while Kalutara reported 37. Hambantota reported 66 and Matara 30. From Gampaha, there were 26 reports. Rat fever is most prevalent in Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, and Badulla. In 2023, there were more than 5,230 infections, but due to underdiagnosis, the tally is uncertain, disease data show. In 2020, infections reached a high of 8,577.
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