Over 10,000 cases of leptospirosis, commonly known as rat fever, have been reported in Sri Lanka so far this year, up from over 9,000 cases last year, a senior official from the epidemiology unit of the Ministry of Health told a press conference on Wednesday.
Public health specialist Kumudu Weerakoon from the epidemiology unit said the number is expected to rise in the coming weeks due to inter-monsoonal rains and paddy farming activities.
Weerakoon said that individuals exposed to water and mud, especially paddy farmers, miners, and those affected by floods, are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.
In 2023, Sri Lanka recorded over 9,000 cases of rat fever, resulting in nearly 200 deaths, she said.
