Change in dengue treatment brings results

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry has changed the entire treatment system available for dengue patients and the number of deaths have significantly decreased due to the new system which will continue hereafter, a Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, the Ministry has trained physicians attached to main State hospitals with WHO assistance. Under the new system, normal blood is given to dengue patients instead of platelet. Earlier platelet was given to dengue patients when their platelet count dropped. Under this new system, dengue patients in the high risk category like pregnant mothers, infants, elderly and persons who suffer from chronic diseases should seek medical treatment within six hours to avoid complications.

There were 48 dengue deaths during the first four weeks of this year but after the introduction of new treatment system only 15 dengue deaths have been reported by March 29. Around 99 percent of the dengue deaths occurred in the past due to Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) in high risk category patients. The new treatment system prevents DHF deaths, he said.

Controlling dengue will not be the sole responsibility of the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry hereafter. It will be an inter sectoral coordination and social mobility program implemented through the Environment and Natural Resource Ministry, Education Ministry, Information and Media Ministry, Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry, Local Government and Provincial Councils Ministry and some institutions that function under these Ministries.

They are included in the dengue task force. The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry will bear the responsibility of patient care, he added.