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Health authorities warn that leptospirosis, commonly known as rat fever, is surging across Sri Lanka in 2025. The disease has already caused thousands of infections and multiple deaths over the past few months.
In 2024, Sri Lanka reported over 12,000 cases and more than 200 deaths. In 2023, there were 9,000+ cases with similar mortality figures. The disease is expected to spike again during the monsoon seasons, especially from March–May and October–December.
What is Rat Fever?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through water, soil, or food contaminated with urine from infected animals—especially rats, cattle, pigs, and dogs. Farmers, drain cleaners, miners, and people walking through floodwaters are at high risk.
Symptoms to Watch For:
Sudden high fever
Muscle pain (especially in calves and lower back)
Headache and chills
Red eyes (conjunctival suffusion)
Jaundice
Decreased urine output
Why It’s Dangerous:
If untreated, leptospirosis can lead to kidney failure, heart failure, or internal bleeding. Early diagnosis and immediate treatment with antibiotics are critical. Waiting for lab results may be fatal.
Prevention Tips:
Clean up rubbish to reduce rodent populations.
Wear boots and gloves if exposed to muddy or wet areas.
Avoid walking through floodwater.
Use boiled water for drinking.
Take Doxycycline tablets weekly (free from PHI or MOH) if you’re in a high-risk job.
Leptospirosis is treatable and preventable—but only if caught early. If you or someone you know works in risky environments, speak to your local MOH or PHI today.
