A naval officer attached to the Navy Headquarters has passed away from rat fever, health officials confirmed.

However, the body will be disposed of in manner similar to those fallen victim to COVID19 because of the situation at the Welisara Naval Camp.

The Government Information Department said the 35 year old naval officer— a resident of Galenbindunuwewa—was admitted to the Naval General Hospital on April 18 and passed away in the ICU on April 25.

Tests had revealed he had contracted rat fever, not COVID19.