Unidentified fever in Jaffna leaves health fraternity scrambling after five deaths

• The prevalence of diseases like influenza, rat fever, and dengue typically increases during floods, but the exact nature of the current fever remains unconfirmed
• The unidentified fever spreading in the Jaffna district has claimed five lives

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The unidentified fever spreading in the Jaffna district has claimed five lives, but health authorities have assured that the situation is under control while maintaining high vigilance.  

Jaffna Hospital Director Dr. T. Sathyamoorthy told Daily Mirror that the fatalities, were linked to leptospirosis and respiratory difficulties.   

“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.

 Meanwhile, addressing the public at the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Kumudu Weerakoon, Acting Consultant Community Physician at the Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit, highlighted the broader risks posed by the ongoing rainy weather.   
“The prevalence of diseases like influenza, rat fever, and dengue typically increases during floods, but the exact nature of the current fever remains unconfirmed. Vigilance and timely medical interventions are key,” she explained.   
Leptospirosis continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Sri Lanka, with over 9,000 confirmed cases and 200 deaths reported in 2023.