Rat fever claims 10 lives in Kurunegala

Colombo (News 1st): 10 people have died and 245 people have been hospitalized due to the spread of rat fever in the Kurunegala District. It is reported that a majority has been affected in Galgamuwa, Nikaweratiya, Weerambugedara, and Kurunegala. According to health officials, farmers and people engaging in cultivation activities have a high risk of contracting the disease. Adding further, the health officials noted that the necessary precautions and medication should be taken before stepping into the water if someone has wounds and lacerations on their skin. Rat fever claimed the life of a father of two on the 20th of last month in Kiralabokka, Narammala. Relatives of the deceased note that if they had known the symptoms of the deceased, they would have saved his life. Health officials say that the people affected by rat fever are usually reported at the beginning of a cultivating season but now it has spread during the end of the season. Two constables who were attached to the Mannar Police Station lost their lives after contracting dengue fever. Final rites of Police Constable Yohan Sithara Ratnayake was observed this evening at the Hinguru Wewa Public Cemetery in Talawa. Yohan was 29 years at the time of his demise and was a father of one. One Female Police Constable and two more Constables attached to the Mannar Police Station are currently receiving treatment for dengue fever at the Mannar General Hospital.