12 deaths due to Leptospirosis this year: Ministry of Health

COLOMBO (News 1st): Close to 2800 people have contracted leptospirosis or rat fever, during the course of this year so far, according to the Ministry of Health. "12 people died from leptospirosis so far this year, and the cases of leptospirosis were reported from Colombo, Ratnapura, Kalutara, Galle, Hambantota, Matara, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kegalle districts," Chief Epidemiologist, Dr. Sudath Samaraweera at the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health, said on Monday (June 22). According to Dr. Samaraweera people involved in water-related agriculture can prevent contracting leptospirosis by taking antibiotics once a week.