Influenza, Dengue and Rat Fever on the rise

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Cases of influenza and dengue are on the rise, health authorities warn, especially due to the showery conditions across Sri Lanka.

"It is vital to wear face masks, even at home, as safety precautions", Deputy Director at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children Deepal Perera said.

Those showing symptoms of influenza, that is, fever, cough and phlegm, and nausea, must consult a doctor immediately, he said.

Cases of "leptospirosis", commonly known as rat fever, are also on the rise, the Epidemiology Unit said.

2,600 cases of rat fever were reported so far in 2023

In the meantime, 13 cases of coronavirus were also identified in Sri Lanka on Friday (05).

This raises the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 672, 207.

The number of deaths due to coronavirus stands at 16, 844.