7 November 2024 08:17 am Views - 27
By Sheain Fernandopulle
Sri Lanka is witnessing an alarming increase in multiple diseases, including waterborne disease cases over the last few days.
Health officials are reporting a notable surge in illnesses such as Influenza A, leptospirosis, hepatitis A, typhoid, diarrheal diseases, tuberculosis, and Melioidosis.
A Senior Consultant Physician who wished to be anonymous told the Daily Mirror that cases of leptospirosis, also known as “rat fever,” have already begun to rise, warning that floodwaters mixed with infected animal waste are accelerating the spread.
As such, people working in flooded areas are asked to wear protective clothing and seek immediate medical help if they experience symptoms like fever, headache, or muscle pain.
Meanwhile, speaking to Daily Mirror, Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said diarrheal diseases have also significantly increased among children due to the increase in flies.
To prevent further outbreaks, Health officials stressed the importance of safe drinking water, proper sanitation, wearing a mask, washing hands, practising good hygiene, avoiding exposure to muddy water, and drinking only boiled water.