Cuban bacteria to curb leptospirosis

The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry has decided to import `Biorat' bacteria from Cuba to curb leptospirosis commonly known as `Rat Fever'.

Biorat is a biological method that can be used to control rat fever.

The disease spreads with the ongoing rains, a Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman vulnerable people such as farmers, persons who clean drains, persons who work in mines, marsh lands, canals and persons who swim or play in contaminated water should contact the PHI or MOH and obtain Doxycychine tablets. They should take two tablets before they start their work. The tablets gives around 90 percent protection for a period of one week. Then they should take two tablets again until they finish their work. (NG)