Home remedies for dengue could be fatal

Nadira Gunatilleke

Persons suffering from fever for more than two days must seek medical treatment from a state hospital or a qualified doctor to avoid dangers posed by Dengue fever, Health Services Director General Dr Palitha Mahipala said.

Dr Mahipala said seeking medical treatment early could save dengue patients' lives. A delay in seeking medical treatment for fever and home remedies endanger patients' lives. Health authorities analyzed past dengue deaths and found that the delay in seeking medical treatment is one of the main reasons for Dengue deaths, he said. Dr Mahipala said rest is important for patients with fever.

Patients with fever need to take medicine and rest. This saves other family members and the public from getting infected if it is a viral flu. If a patient with fever does not visit a state hospital, he or she should seek medical treatment only from a qualified doctor, he said.

Meanwhile, a Health Ministry spokesman said the National Mosquito Eradication week is continuing successfully. Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said arrangements have been made to grant demands of PHIs which are very reasonable.