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Deadly distribution of muddy save your safety and life!

Deadly distribution of muddy save your safety and life!

    Leptospirosis, also known as rat fever, is a serious bacterial infection caused by Leptospira interrogans. It is spread mainly through the urine of infected animals such as rats, cattle, dogs, and wild animals, and is common in farms, muddy fields, and during floods. The bacteria can enter the human body through cuts, wounds, or mucous membranes like the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially when working in wet or muddy environments such as paddy fields.

    The disease is widespread in Sri Lanka and tends to peak during the monsoon seasons. March to May and October to December due to increased moisture and flooding. Symptoms typically appear within 5–14 days (but may range from 2–30 days) and include:

  • High fever with chills
  • Severe muscle pain (especially in the neck and back)
  • Red, inflamed eyes
  • Nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite
  • Dark yellow urine, blood in urine, reduced urination
  • Skin rashes and, sometimes, cough

 In some cases, symptoms may resemble dengue or hepatitis, or may not appear at all. If untreated, leptospirosis can affect the kidneys, liver, heart, and brain, and may lead to death in 5–30% of cases. However, it is treatable with antibiotics like doxycycline.

       Prevention Tips:

  • Keep the farm and surroundings clean
  • Wear protective clothing when farming
  •  Avoid contact with muddy water, especially with open wounds
  • Drink only boiled water (chlorine does not kill the bacteria)
  • Protect wells from contamination
  • Control the rat population using traps or rodenticides
  • Do not disturb animals like owls and snakes which help control rats

    If symptoms appear, seek immediate medical attention. Preventive antibiotics can be taken under medical guidance if you work in high-risk areas. Always report suspected cases to health authorities to prevent outbreaks. 

                                                                                                                            By L. S. Madhumali

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