Combating “Chikungunya” the do’s, don’ts and how to halt it

Chikungunya is spreading fast in the Central Province with a higher numbers of patients reported from Akurana in Kandy.

According to Akurana hospital sources, more than 450 patients have turned up and a daily turnout of 30 - 35 patients has been recorded.

The Sunday Times learns that a vast number of viral fever cases have been reported in Matale and most of them have symptoms of not only Chikungunya, but also with symptoms of other viral fevers.

Matale General Hospital sources said that despite the inclement weather large numbers of patients arrive at the hospital.

Meanwhile the numbers of Chikungunya patients in Colombo too is on the rise.

“The best method of preventing Chikungunya is to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites, it’s the only way to save yourself, your family and neighbours” said Dr. Pradeep Kariyawasam, Chief Medical Officer of the Colombo Municipal Council.

Dr.Kariyawasam said that it is believed that Chikungunya may be spread by more than one breed of mosquito.

In Colombo dengue fever is wide-spread in the southern part of Colombo, while Chikungunya is reported from its northern sector. Therefore it is hard to believe that only the dengue mosquito carries that virus, he said.

Avoiding mosquito bites by using protective clothing, mosquito repellents, coils, using mosquito nets whenever possible and eliminating mosquito-breeding sites as in water collected discarded tyres, plastic containers, coconut shells, blocked gutters, birdbaths and flowerpots are possible ways to prevent mosquito breeding sites.

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Chikungunya is characterized with fever joint pain and rash while other symptoms are headache, photophobia, fatigue, nausea and vomiting.

Chikungunya is thought to be rarely life threatening and is believed to confer life long immunity.

Do’s in Chikungunya

• Adequate rest
• Plenty of fluids
• Paracetamol in prescribed doses for fever and pain
• Seek professional medical advice and treatment

Don’ts

• Avoid self-medication, use of Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofinac Sodium and other NSAIDs in the acute phase

- N. F.