Death toll rises from unidentified fever in Jaffna
The Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health states that an unidentified fever is spreading in the Jaffna District.
Health authorities have launched investigations to determine the nature of the disease, with preliminary tests underway to assess whether it is related to leptospirosis, commonly known as ‘rat fever’.
According to the Jaffna Hospital Director Dr. T. Sathyamoorthy, the death toll from the unidentified fever spreading in Jaffna has risen to five.
Speaking at a media briefing, Dr. Sathyamoorthy confirmed that the deceased, aged between 20 and 65, succumbed to the fever and respiratory complications.
Meanwhile, speaking to media today (Dec. 11), Dr. Kumudu Weerakoon of the Epidemiology Unit explained that patients in the affected areas are presenting with fever and respiratory issues.
She added that health officials are collecting samples from these individuals to confirm the exact cause of the illness.
To combat the spread of the disease, the Ministry of Health is providing free antibiotics to individuals at high risk, including those involved in water-related occupations. These antibiotics can be obtained from Public Health Inspectors attached to the relevant Medical Officer of Health offices, Dr. Weerakoon noted.
Dr. Weerakoon urged individuals experiencing symptoms to seek immediate medical attention, noting that timely intervention is critical to recovery.
