Warning of infectious diseases outbreak

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry warned the public of a possible outbreak of infectious diseases,such as, chickenpox, mumps and measles during this warm period of the year. The diseases are rapidly spreading due to environmental factors, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, the months of March, June and August record high temperatures and infectious diseases spread faster during this period than in other months.

Parents should keep their children at home without sending them to school, if they show symptoms of the above diseases. Mumps had spread in Bombuwala, Kalutara because parents had sent their sick children to schools. School teachers should send children home if they show symptoms of disease.

"High fever, swelling of cheeks, difficulty in swallowing, head ache etc are the symptoms of Mumps. Fever and skin rashes are also common symptoms.Male children should be protected from Mumps because it can cause impotence in them.Germs can travel to the brain and cause meningitis or similar health complications", the spokesman said.

"The Health Ministry seeks public support to prevent Chickenpox, Mumps and Measles.

The best way of preventing them is to keep away from public and crowded places affected by these diseases and during incubation periods", the spokesman added.