Killer dengue revival looms after flood destruction
Mosquito breeding grounds will soar following the deaths and destruction from heavy monsoon rains and health officials fear more dengue infections.
The Consultant Community Physician of the National Dengue Control Unit Dr. Preshila Samaraweera told the Sunday Times that the health services have been directed through circulars on preventive measures to take at temporary dwellings for flood victims.
As of May 24, the Epidemiology Unit reported 19,459 dengue cases islandwide. Dr Samaraweera added that so far, 20 lives have been claimed by the dengue virus this year.
The dengue unit has issued warnings to seven regional directors of health services such as Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Batticaloa, Kalmunai, Kurunegala and Puttalam. These are identified as high-risk areas. The Colombo regional director of health services reported 3,038 cases, Batticaloa 2,776, and Gampaha 1,614. Kalutara, Kandy, Jaffna, and Kalmunai reported 1,200 dengue cases.
The regional director of health services of Kalmunai, Dr. A.L. Alaavudeen said that an increase in dengue cases can be expected.
Cases have been rising in the Sainthamaruthu medical officer of health area over the past two weeks, he said. In the first three weeks of this month, there have been 54 dengue infections.
He said that in Kalmunai, the main source of mosquito breeding grounds is domestic wells. “We have added chemicals to kill the mosquito larvae and covered wells with nets,’’ he said.
Dr U I Ratnayake, the regional director of health services, said that 1,020 patients were reported. Further, Panadura and Wadduwa MOH areas have been identified as high-risk areas.
“MOHs have been alerted and hospitals have been instructed to start surveillance,’’ he said.
The regional director of health services of Puttalam, said prevention programmes are being carried out. “The numbers have decreased vastly compared to January this year but we are implementing precautionary steps to maintain the present situation,’’ the official said.