The death toll due to an unidentified fever spreading in Jaffna has risen to five (05), Jaffna Hospital Director Dr. Sathyamoorthy said.
Addressing the media yesterday, Dr. Sathyamoorthy revealed that the deaths were caused due to fever and respiratory complications.
He further said that the deceased were aged between 20 and 65 years.
Dr. Sathyamoorthy added that as the disease is suspected to be leptospirosis, commonly known as rat fever, blood samples have been sent to Colombo to confirm the diagnosis.
Meanwhile, the Health Promotion Bureau has also launched a probe into the unidentified disease.
Addressing the media yesterday, Dr. Kumudu Weerakoon from the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health said detailed investigations are underway to identify the exact nature of the disease.
Dr. Weerakoon further said that the authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, with measures being taken to contain the spread of the illness. (Newswire)