Introduction
The rainy season in Sri Lanka brings not only a lush and green environment but also an increase in epidemics. In recent years, several diseases such as influenza, dengue, corona, rat fever, and malaria have emerged or resurged, posing a significant threat to public health. This article presents a statistical analysis of the outbreaks of rat fever and malaria in Sri Lanka, along with their causes and consequences.
Nature's Fertile Environment Turns into a Breeding Ground for Diseases
The creation of a fertile environment after the rain is a sign of nature. However, due to human activities that harm nature, epidemics have started to occur after the rains. Floods and waterlogging lead to the proliferation of disease-carrying mosquitoes and rats, and this often results in outbreaks of dengue, malaria, and rat fever. According to the epidemiology unit of the Ministry of Health, the number of cases of rat fever reported in Sri Lanka by the end of last April was 2642, with 19 deaths reported in Galle alone.
Rat Fever Outbreak in Sri Lanka: Epidemiological Data and Symptoms
Rat fever, also known as Leptospirosis, is a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by exposure to rat urine, which contaminates the soil and water in paddy fields and mines. Rats urinate around their habitat, and the bacteria in their urine can survive in the environment for months, leading to the infection of farmers and miners who walk through the contaminated soil. The symptoms of rat fever include fever, muscle pain, red eyes, headache, yellow urine, reduced urination, and lethargy.
Malaria Resurgence in Sri Lanka: Causes and Consequences
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that was considered to have been eradicated in Sri Lanka about 25-30 years ago. However, in recent years, the number of malaria cases has started to rise again, with about 23,000 cases reported in 2018. The main reasons for the resurgence of malaria in Sri Lanka are the development of drug-resistant strains of the parasite, the lack of effective mosquito control measures, and the increase in population mobility and migration. Malaria can cause severe fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and even death, especially in vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
In conclusion, the increase in epidemics after the rainy season in Sri Lanka is a significant public health concern. Rat fever and malaria are two of the most common diseases that emerge or resurge during this period, causing illness and death among the population. Effective control measures, such as mosquito and rat control, regular testing, and treatment of infected individuals, are essential to prevent and manage these diseases. The government, health department, and community must work together to address this issue and create a healthy and safe environment for all.
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