Chikungunya in Colombo again

By Nadia Fazlulhaq

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has established a complaints centre and is taking immediate action to control the fast spreading dengue and chikungunya viruses in the city. CMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pradeep Kariyawasam said a larger number of cases of both viruses have been reported, compared to last year.

“With the South-Western monsoon rains expected during the next few months there is a severe threat of a resurgence of dengue and chikungunya fever in Colombo. Of the two diseases chikungunya has raised its head again. The best method of preventing it is to prevent mosquito-breeding sites,” he said.

He said a number of cases have been reported in Bambalapitiya this month and requested the public to be vigilant. Complaints with regard to mosquito breeding places, abandoned lands or unkempt construction sites can be made to our complaints centre on tel. no. 2676161, he said.

“We would investigate within an hour after the complaint is made. The centre could be contacted from 8 a.m. to midnight. If we find bare land we would find the owners and send notices and if it’s a mosquito breeding place we would spray the place or fumigate the area immediately,” said Dr. Kariyawasam.

The CMC Public Health Department plans to inspect premises, advice and issue notices under the Mosquito-borne Diseases Regulations in identified high risk areas. Both dengue and chikungunya are spread primarily by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. This mosquito is a ‘container’ breeder. It could breed in tins, bottles, coconut shells, plastic cups, tyres, gutters or any place where rain water could collect.

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

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes and transmitted by the Aedes aegypti (dengue) mosquito, a daytime biter. There are no specific anti-viral cures or vaccines for this infection. The patient needs only lots of rest and must take fluids and paracetamol to relieve symptoms of fever and joint pains.