Ministry of Health Takes Action as Leptospirosis Cases Rise in Northern Province

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Health says that steps have been taken to collect blood samples from mammals in the Northern Province.

The Epidemiology Unit says that the samples were collected in relation to investigations into the recent outbreak of leptospirosis in the Northern Province.

According to the Ministry of Health, the blood samples have been sent to the laboratory of the Department of Veterinary Services.

In recent days, eight people died in the Jaffna District alone, due to leptospirosis.

The Ministry of Health said that with the rainy weather conditions, there may be an increase in the number of leptospirosis cases reported in the Northern Province in the near future.

Over the past year, approximately 12,000 leptospirosis cases have been reported in the country.

The Ministry of Health also mentioned that nearly 200 people have died from the disease this year.

The health authorities say that leptospirosis can be contracted through exposure to the urine of mice or by the virus entering the body through existing wounds.

Symptoms of leptospirosis include reddening of eyes, fever, reduced urine output, severe headache, and muscle pain.

The Ministry of Health urges the general public to seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms are present.