Identify the risk for leptospirosis disease during flooding periods (Special reference to Medirigiriya Divisional Secretariat Division in Polonnaruwa district).

The study could identify a clear relationship between floods and leptospirosis outbreaks in Medirigiriya as majority of victims could be identified in areas subjected to floods during the past years. According to the risk map, Atambaoya, Tissapura, Viharagama, Medirigiriya and Diulankadawala Grama Niladgari divisions were identified as more vulnerable areas for the disease than the other areas. In addition to floods, muddy paddy farming and livestock rearing practices are also reasons for the spread of the disease among people. Farmers who engage in muddy paddy fields were identified as the most vulnerable group to leptospirosis as they use contaminated paddy water to wash their faces and hands, drink and fulfill sanitary requirements. Direct ways of exposure to flood water including walking through contaminated water, doing water sports without wearing protective costumes also let the bacteria to sketch human body.