Tough time for mosquito ‘breeders’ from June 1

Nadira Gunatilleke

Around 5,100 dengue cases have been reported in 2009 (during the past five months) while the number of dengue deaths reported during the same period is 70. Most deaths have been reported due to Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) condition.

Legal action will be taken from June 1, this year against all persons, institutions and organisations which have mosquito breeding sites, a Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman said.

He said most dengue related deaths were due to patients coming for medical treatment after reaching the DHF stage. When infected with dengue fever, patients should seek medical treatment from a state hospital or any other recognised medical institution before they reach the DHF stage which occurs within a few days.

Patients who reach the DHF stage require special treatment and care. According to the spokesman, the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry along with the Epidemiology Unit has made arrangements to provide special training for 20 pediatricians and physicians on patient management, running laboratories and keeping MLTs on call. The main objective of this training is reducing the number of dengue deaths occurring due to shortcomings of patient management.

“When comparing with March, there is a significant drop in the number of dengue cases and deaths but more action is needed to control dengue because of the prevailing rainy condition. If fever does not go down within one or two days, medical treatment should be sought from a state hospital of a recognised medical institution,” the spokesman said.