Health professionals are expressing concern over a rise in seasonal illnesses as a result of the intense monsoon rains.

Nutrition Specialist Dr. Renuka Jayatissa told the Sunday Times that children and the elderly are the most susceptible groups to respiratory illnesses.

She recommends wearing face masks.

Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital’s consultant paediatrician, Dr. Deepal Perera, said that “leptospirosis,” also referred to as rat fever, is a concern.