Chikungunya: crisis in Jaffna

The infectious viral flu chikungunya which has reportedly spread rapidly in the Jaffna peninsula is now one of the many problems the people have to face in addition to the shortage of food, medical supplies and the ever present danger to life and limb courtesy the war situation.

The flu which first spread in Inuvil in the Chunnakam area, has now affected the whole town with many of the elderly being affected by its crippling symptoms.

“The virus has not spared anyone. The hospitals are crowded and medical supplies are low. The doctors are prescribing Paracetamol and Ibuprofen but unfortunately the required medicine is unavailable,” a CARE official in Jaffna said.

He said a Paracetamol tablet costs Rs.25/- each and Ibuprofen is unavailable most of the time. It is also expensive.

“The elderly people in villages are suffering immensely due to the effects of the virus. Some of them who have diabetes or high blood sugar levels and pressure are the worst affected since the hospitals are not stocked with the required medicine,” he said.
Social Services and Welfare Minister, Douglas Devananda has decided to provide with immediate effect a mobile clinic providing treatment for the students in Jaffna who are sitting for the O/L exams this year.

A large number of students sitting the O/L exams this year in 173 examination centres in the peninsula have been affected with ‘Chikungunya’ viral fever. The Minister who held discussions with health authorities in Jaffna made arrangements for setting up the mobile clinic.