Fever outbreak in Jaffna under control

• Outbreak confirmed to be Leptospirosis

By Sheain Fernandopulle

The fever that spread in Jaffna, claiming seven lives, has been identified as Leptospirosis, commonly known as Rat Fever, the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry announced yesterday.

Jaffna Hospital Director Dr. T. Sathyamoorthy told Daily Mirror that the fatalities were linked to leptospirosis.
“The illness is confirmed to be leptospirosis or rat fever. Although the situation is stable and under control, we are closely monitoring developments to prevent any escalation,” Dr. Sathyamoorthy said.     

The death toll in Jaffna initially rose to five, with Jaffna Hospital Director Dr. T. Sathyamoorthy confirming that three of the fatalities were caused by Leptospirosis, while the other two deaths were suspected cases.

The deceased, aged between 20 and 65, succumbed to fever and respiratory complications.

Blood samples were sent to Colombo for further analysis, leading to the identification of the disease.