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Cholera outbreak in Jaffna

by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

Health officials have warned of a severe outbreak of cholera sweeping the Jaffna peninsula which has so far claimed three lives.

Twenty eight suspected cases were detected during the last few days and authorities fear that this would spread into other areas with one positive case each reported from Kandy, Anuradhapura and Puttalam districts.

The first patient who died of cholera was identified as a pump mechanic who had accidentally got the disease.

He was treated at the Jaffna Hospital. However, Senior Epidemiologist Dr. T.A. Kulatilake said several precautionary measures have been taken to combat the disease. "We have alerted all Provincial Health officials to take all preventive measures," he added.

The last outbreak of Cholera occurred in 1997 and continued up to 2000. During 1999, 110 confirmed cases and seven deaths were reported. Only four cases were reported in 2000 - with three cases from Puttalam and one from Kolonnawa. The last case was reported in July 2000 from Kolonnawa MOH area.

He warned that people could acquire the infection from drinking contaminated water, food contaminated during and after preparation and sea foods - particularly shellfish taken from contaminated water and eaten raw or insufficiently cooked.

Cholera is not fatal with proper treatment. Patients with suspected Cholera should be taken immediately to the nearest health worker for treatment.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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