Blood samples sent to Thailand over Chikungunya scare

Chesmal SIRIWARDHANA

COLOMBO: Blood samples taken from several patients in the Colombo, Ampara, Kalmunai and Mannar areas were sent to a laboratory in Thailand to confirm whether they are ailing from deadly viral fever "Chikungunya", Dr. Paba Palihawadana, Deputy Director of the Epidemiological Unit of Health Ministry informed the 'Daily News'.

Chikungunya is a disease with a similar clinical picture of Dengue fever. Both diseases are transmitted by mosquitos. The clinical picture of the disease includes high fever, malaise, lethargy, vomiting for about two weeks after getting infected.

India's Kerala State is experiencing an outbreak of Chikungunya and there are fears that Sri Lanka might also face the threat of this rare disease.

According to Dr. Palihawadana of the Epidemiological unit, Sri Lanka does not have the facilities to identify the disease.Blood samples collected from several suspected cases were sent to the Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Colombo to test for Dengue, Measles and Rubella and the MRI reported the samples tested negative for anti bodies of those diseases, she said.

Apart from this mysterious disease, Sri Lanka faces a rise in Dengue fever, said Dr. Devika Mendis, a medical officer attached to the Epidemiology Unit. In 2006, there were 8786 cases of Dengue fever reported in Sri Lanka, she said.

Thirty seven deaths occurred from the disease, according to the statistics. Dengue fever and Dengue Haemorrhagic fever (A severe form of the disease) are being reported from every part of the country, according to Dr. Mendis.

She further added that disease patterns have changed during recent times and a severe form of Dengue has become common among the population. She said that the 20-40 age group has become more vulnerable to the disease recently.

Health Ministry sources told the 'Daily News' that the blood sample results are expected next week. Steps are being taken now to control the disease spreading and to manage the suspected patients, the sources said.