Government Epidemiologists yesterday warned the public who developed symptoms of Leptospirosis (Rat Fever) to immediately consult the MOH or the PHI in the area to get the prophylaxis (injection) as a safeguard against the killer disease. Health Ministry's Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Nihal Abeysingha told the media yesterday that Leptospirosis had spread to several parts in the country including Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara despite the popular thinking that the disease is confined to paddy farming districts. The disease is fatal and patients could die from the disease if medical treatment is not given immediately. If a farmer develops back ache with high fever, vomiting or severe headache with reddish eyes after spending several hours in the marshy lands or stagnant and murky waters he must seek immediate medical advice or go to the nearest hospital,' Dr. Abeysingha said. The disease that had been found largely in paddy farming districts has now spread to almost all other districts. Shrubs and other forest plants round paddy fields have to be destroyed to prevent the breeding of rats as the water contaminated with rat urine is the source of Leptospirosis, he said. In 2007, 34 of 2195 patients had died while 17 people have died of the disease so far this year, he said adding that most of the victims between 15 and 45 years. According to Tertiary Healthcare Deputy Director General Dr. P.G.Mahipala the number of patients rose by 26% last year compared to 2006. He said last year 163 patients were reported from Colombo, 311 from Gampaha, 221 from Kalutara, 178 from Matale, 298 from Anuradhapura, 289 from Matara, 247 from Kegalle, 245 from Ratnapura, 288 from Ampara and 210 from Monaragala.