News
Dengue and chikungunya on the rise but no official figure on latter
View(s):- Doctors warn of further increase with prevailing weather conditions
By Kasun Warakapitiya
Waves of suspected dengue and chikungunya cases have simultaneously increased within the first four months.
Medical professionals, taking into account the prevailing monsoonal conditions, have warned of an increase of both viral diseases.
Pointing out that both diseases are transmitted by the same mosquito, Dr Sudath Samaraweera, director of the national dengue control unit, emphasised the importance of vector control as the practical solution to eradicate both diseases.
He added his unit, and the Health Ministry had declared May 19 to May 24 as dengue eradication week. He said dengue control programmes were implemented by health officials, the tri-forces and police together with the public.
A weeklong dengue eradication programme ends today: Cleanup of the Wanatamulla canal (left) and clay pots being inspected of a residence in the area. Pix by Eshan Fernando
According to the dengue control unit, 15,962 suspected dengue cases were reported within 15 weeks in 23 districts. The 15th week alone had 1,178 suspected cases.
Chikungunya cases too were increasing, with more cases being reported from hospitals. However, the epidemiology department had not released any official statistics of the number of reported chikungunya cases. This is in contrast to weekly updates of dengue statistics by the dengue control unit.
Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) officials said that the number may be higher than what is being reported, as many who come down with chikungunya rest at home or consult doctors privately.
CMC’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr K. Sriprthapan requested the public residing within the Colombo City limits to contact their hotline 0112696594 if they get infected with chikungunya to help them carry out mosquito eradication programmes and keep a tab on reported cases.
He said the CMC assisted in the dengue eradication week by carrying out a three-day special programme from Thursday, May 22, to Saturday, May 24.
Dr Sriprthapan said 60 teams consisting of PHIs, tri-force personnel, police and CMC workers were deployed across the city limits, with each MOH office deploying 10 teams.
He said inspections were carried out from January to date of 85,217 sites, of which 8,467 were deemed potential breeding sites and 867 as positive breeding sites.
CMC had issued 2139 notices, and legal action was taken on 628 premises, and corrective measures were carried out on 6188 sites with potential mosquito breeding places.
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