The Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health says that 800 persons with Rat Fever were identified during the last few months.

Director of the Unit Dr. Paba Palihawadana says that Colombo, Gamapha and Kalutara districts of the Western Province have been identified as districts where Rat Fever is spreading.

Dr. Palihawadana further explained the spreading process of the contagious disease. He stated that the fever spreads with a bacteria emanated from the urine of rats. When the bacteria enters the human body, the disease infects the individual. In case of Dengue, the virus spreads through mosquito bites. However, as fever and body ache are common symptoms in  both diseases, authorities say it has become difficult to identify the two diseases. Those who work closely with water are more likely to be infected with Rat Fever as this bacteria can enter the body through small scratch wounds on the skin.

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