Skin disease spreads

Amila Prabath Wanasinghe and Anuradhapura Courts Corr

A skin disease is fast spreading among people in the North Central Province. Around 1,170 patients have been reported from Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts.

The disease is caused due to sand fly bites, according to Dr Asoka Munasinghe of the Provincial Epidemiological Unit.

Addressing an awareness programme for medical personnel held at the Anuradhapura Heritage Hotel, Dr Munasinghe said the uncovered parts of the human body is worst affected by this skin disease. "Following sand fly bites, the wound expands like scars on the body. Most affected patients are from Padaviya, Talawa, Nuwaragam Palatha East and Rajangane," she said. Patients suffering from this disease should visit government skin clinics without delay for medication, she said.