With the onset of scattered monsoonal rains and high humidity, both ideal for the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and common virus flu/fever, health authorities warn the public to be wary, as a blend of both maladies could have fatal repercussions.
“Many viral fever cases are reported during these days, due to the present weather conditions. So is dengue, as stagnant rain water and warm weather boost the breeding of mosquitoes. The symptoms for both illnesses are similar, as both are viruses,” said the Health Ministry’s National Dengue Control Unit Director Dr. Ranjith Batuwantudawe.
“Dengue strikes people who are weak and with low levels of immunity. This could turn into dengue haemorrhagic fever, which is a more severe form of the illness,” he said.
He said that, as dengue is caused by one of four serotypes of virus, it is possible to get a relapse of the illness, and hence those who have already suffered from dengue should be extra careful.
“Unfortunately, the majority do not know that the dengue virus is in their bodies, and that, they were infected once or twice without any symptoms being present. Therefore, those living in dengue high-risk areas, should take all measures to avoid mosquito bites,” he said.
According to Dr. Batuwantudawe, heart patients, expectant mothers and children under 10 years, are the most vulnerable. “Those suffering from heart diseases, should immediately stop taking aspirin and related medicinal drugs, if they suffer from fever, and consult a qualified medical professional or go to a hospital,” he added.
Fever, headache, exhaustion, severe pain in joints and muscles, aching eyes, swollen glands and rashes are the main symptoms of dengue fever.
Manifestations include evidence of haemorrhage, small red or purple blisters under the skin and bleeding nose or gums, while black stools are possible signs of haemorrhage. This form of dengue fever can be life-threatening.
The best preventive action is to eliminate all potential mosquito breeding sites. Water typically collects and stagnates in discarded rubber tyres, plastic containers, coconut shells, blocked gutters, bird baths, foliage and flower pots. Mosquito bites can be avoided with the use of mosquito repellents, mosquito coils, nets, ointments and protective clothing.
It is also important to seek medical attention by day-3 of the fever. A fever patient should get maximum rest and plenty of liquids, drugs containing paracetamol may be taken, but not aspirin, and the patient taken to the nearest hospital as early as possible.
This year, 53 deaths have been reported to date, with 11,403 cases reported island wide. Colombo district leads with 23 deaths, followed by 8 from Gampaha, 5 from Kandy and 4 from Puttalam.
Of the 23 deaths in the Colombo district, seven were from Colombo city, and 16 from the suburbs. |
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