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Dengue menace again warns Health Ministry

by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

The Health Ministry yesterday renewed its warning to the public on the spread of dengue fever which has claimed 76 lives so far during this year.

The Ministry's Epidemiology Unit Director Dr. N. Abeysinghe said there had been a marginal increase in the number of dengue cases during the last few days.

"Most of these cases were reported from Trincomalee, Puttalam, Marawila and Dankotuwa," he added.

Dr. Abeysinghe attributed this increase mainly to the recent rains experienced in these areas.

Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said the Ministry had taken a number of steps to control the spreading of dengue.

"These preventive programs are being implemented in collaboration with the private sector," he told a media briefing yesterday.

The Minister said a national committee had already been appointed in this regard comprising experts and specialists in this field. They will make recommendations to the Ministry for necessary actions," he added.

Minister de Silva also disclosed that a team of officials will be sent to study the dengue prevention programs implemented by Cuba which had successfully controlled the spreading of the dengue epidemic.

The Ministry also advises the public to seek early medical check up and receive treatment from the nearest medical institution if dengue fever is suspected.

"If high fever continues for more than three days or any symptoms of dengue discovered, they should go to the nearest hospital," official added.

Amongst the symptoms of dengue haemorrhagic fever, are external bleeding(from mouth, nose, ears), vomiting with blood, dark stool and any red patches on the skin.

Earlier, the Health authorities emphasised the importance of carrying out continuous environment cleaning programs to destroy the dengue mosquito breeding places.

The Ministry urged the public to clear the breeding places of dengue mosquitoes by getting rid of cans, tins, coconut shells, old tyres, small containers and roof gutters where rainwater gets collected.

"The elimination of mosquitoes-breeding places is the key to an effective and sustainable preventive strategy," the Ministry declared.

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