Addressing the weekly media briefing at the Health Promotions Bureau, she said Leptospirosis, identified as being spread by rats and mice during the rainy season and during the upcoming ‘Maha’ paddy season, is caused by urine released into waterways and polluted water.

Around 8,000 Leptospirosis patients are identified annually, and 125 deaths are reported due to the infectious flu, Dr. Dabrera said.

“Ratnapura, Galle, Kalutara and Matara are identified as the most affected areas, but recently Gampaha and Kurunegala too have reported cases. We need to manage waste and make sure to take precautions such as using proper safety gear and filtered drinking water, and consult the nearest physician if any symptoms are shown,” Dr. Dabrera stated.

(Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)