The Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology Unit has reported a notable rise in Leptospirosis (commonly known as rat fever) cases across Sri Lanka. Community medicine specialist Dr. Thushani Dabarera identified Ratnapura, Kurunegala, Kegalle, Gampaha, and Kalutara as the most affected districts.

She explained that the disease is caused by bacteria found in the urine of mammals, particularly rats. Contaminated soil or water poses a high risk to humans, especially paddy farmers, miners, and those in flood-prone agricultural areas.

At the same press briefing, Dr. Kosala Karunaratne, Consultant Pediatrician at Lady Ridgeway Hospital, warned of multiple seasonal fevers spreading among children, including dengue, rat fever, influenza, Chikungunya, and diarrhea-related fevers. He urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if children exhibit fever, vomiting, stomach pain, or difficulty urinating.