Nostrums, no cure for dengue - Health Ministry

Nadira Gunatilleke

The Health Ministry Epidemiology Unit has warned the public to beware of the various alternative 'medicines' used by various persons to treat dengue fever, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

"Since there is no cure for dengue, it is possible for victims to die from Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or Dengue Shock Syndrome. Any person who suffers from fever more than two days should seek immediate medical treatment from a state hospital without placing their lives in danger, " the spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, no scientific finding had proved that other methods, such as, sap of leaves etc cures dengue fever.

Sometimes, close family members of dengue patients bring these 'juices' to the wards in bottles and offer them to the patients warded in hospitals.

No cure has been found for dengue fever in any country in the world. Applying other methods may increase the possibility of developing Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome which are fatal.

"Alternative methods may increase the number of dengue deaths in the country. Presently, (in 2012) it is at a very low level (0.05 percent)," he said.

"The Health Ministry has already set up High Dependency Units at 100 main state hospitals to treat dengue patients. All specialist doctors and pediatricians have already been trained to manage dengue patients in any condition. All that is required for saving the lives of dengue patients are available at state hospitals," he added.