Gender shift in rat fever cases raises concern

Health officials in Sri Lanka have identified a growing tendency of women being infected with leptospirosis, commonly referred to as rat fever, with a notable increase.

Dr. Thushani Dabarera, Consultant Epidemiologist at the Epidemiology Unit said “This observation challenges previous perceptions of the disease as predominantly affecting males engaged in high-risk occupations such as paddy cultivation, cattle farming, and gem mining.”

“However, over the years, we have noticed a tendency of women being infected with leptospirosis,” she added.

According to Dr. Thushani Dabarera, last year saw nearly 9,000 reported cases of the disease, with this year already witnessing close to 5,000 cases reported so far.

The majority of these cases have been concentrated in regions such as Ratnapura, Kegalle, Galle, Kalutara, Monaragala, and Kurunegala.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted through water contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents.

The risk of infection spikes following heavy rainfall, which increases the likelihood of water sources becoming contaminated. The disease manifests with symptoms including muscle pain or tenderness, jaundice, cough, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, can lead to renal, heart, or respiratory failure.

Dr. Dabarera emphasised the importance of seeking medical attention promptly upon experiencing symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes.

Preventive measures such as maintaining good hygiene, avoiding contact with potentially contaminated water, and ensuring proper waste management are crucial in curbing the spread of the disease.