Ministry warns of waterborne diseases

Seven dengue cases have been reported from Kandy, six dengue cases from Matara, nine diarrhoea cases from Matale and another 42 dysentery cases from Matale, Kurunegala, Puttalam and Vavuniya areas during the period ending November 25, the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry said yesterday.

Arrangements have been taken through health staff, state and non-governmental institutions to combat the spread of these diseases in flood affected areas. If there is any unusual incidence of such diseases in their areas the public should contact the epidemiological unit on 011-2695112 or 2681548, the Ministry said.

The Ministry warned the public about the possibility of a high incidence of waterborne diseases such as bacillary diarrhoea, leptospirosis, jaundice and typhoid during this post rainy season and requested them to drink boiled water only and desist from consuming raw vegetables especially leafy vegetables for some time to prevent the spread of such diseases.

The Ministry also asked people using well water in flood affected areas to fully pump out and clean up their wells after floods recede before using them for drinking and other domestic purposes. The Ministry in a release said accumulation of water in pools during course of receding floods may also cause the spread of mosquito borne diseases such as dengue and filaria and requested them to ensure that such pools of accumulated water are drained out for their safety.