Morbidity and mortality pattern of leptospirosis in Galle District, Sri Lanka: A descriptive analysis based on disease surveillance

Abstract

Introduction: Leptospirosis is considered as one of the most common zoonotic diseases in Sri Lanka, which has a high case fatality rate. This study was conducted to assess the morbidity and mortality pattern of leptospirosis in the Galle District.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted based on information on leptospirosis in the Galle district obtained from the disease surveillance system. Data were extracted from the publicly available website of the Epidemiology unit which was collected through the routine disease surveillance system based on H 399, special surveillance forms and death investigation forms available at the Epidemiology unit, Galle district.Results: Data of monthly notified incident cases of leptospirosis had a trend and seasonality. Seasonal peak cannot be limited to a specific time duration. A rapid increment of notified incident cases of leptospirosis was reported in 2020. Elpitiya and Karandeniya medical officer of health (MOH) areas were identified as endemic areas for leptospirosis in Galle district while people involved in cinnamon cultivation were identified as a risk group additional to paddy workers. A total number of 75 deaths was reported for the past six years (2017 to 2022) while 2017 had the highest case fatality rates (4.3%). The majority of deaths(80.8%) occurred with complications of acute kidney injury followed by pulmonary haemorrhages (69.2%) while multi-organ failure was observed in 23.1% of deaths.Conclusion: Disease morbidity and mortality patterns had geographical variations. This should be considered during the implemention of preventive and curative measures in leptospirosis management.