Sri Lanka sees surge in multiple diseases

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.