By Sarah HannanSri Lanka is projected to record the highest number of leptospirosis cases in a decade with the caseload reflecting 6,716 cases for the period from 1 January to 28 October. This year, the Regional Director of Health Services Ratnapura recorded the highest number of leptospirosis cases at a total of 1,389. Speaking to The Morning, Ministry of Health Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said: “Leptospirosis is prevalent in areas where there are a lot of paddy fields/marshlands in which people engage in various economic activities. “While there is not a significant spike in incidents when considering the month-by-month average, the Department of Epidemiology from time to time does conduct awareness programmes to educate the farmers and the people from the areas.”Dr. Samaraweera also reiterated that despite the awareness that is created, there are times where the regional hospitals and Medical Officers of Health (MOHs) have a short supply of the antibiotic doxycycline. Moreover, the negligence of the farmers or the area residents is also contributing to the increasing number of leptospirosis cases.

Source: The Nation October 29, 2020 03:11 UTC