Epidemics may follow rains, warns Health Ministry

By Nadia Fazlulhaq

The prevailing inter-monsoon rains might cause an outbreak of dengue and chikungunya, a Health Ministry official warned. According to the Health Ministry Epidemiology Unit Director Dr. M.R.N. Abeysinghe usually dengue and chikungunya are in danger of spreading just after the rains, whether they are inter-monsoon or monsoon rains.

“There are 48 high risk areas in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy and Ratnapura districts where a large numbers of dengue cases have been reported.

The Epidemiology Unit has been monitoring these areas,” he said.“Last time there was two outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya which crippled a large number of people in most parts of the country. There is always a danger of the spread of these epidemics. It is the duty of the people to make sure that their environment does not encourage mosquito breeding,” he said.

Colombo Municipal Council Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pradeep Kariyawasam said only one case of dengue had been reported this month so far and no chikungunya cases reported yet.

“In our one-day campaign in some areas in Colombo which was successful, we inspected 11,085 residencies and issued notices to around 356 houses. Most of the house holders have taken precautions to prevent mosquito breeding.

“This campaign is continuing in other areas too. Meanwhie chemical spraying in suspected areas is continuing amidst the rain,” he said.