Lady Ridgeway Hospital’s Consultant Paediatrician, Dr. Deepal Perera, has raised concerns over a rise in Chikungunya cases among children in recent days. He stated that the disease is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictusmosquitoes and can be managed with adequate rest and prescribed doses of paracetamol.
Dr. Perera outlined key symptoms of Chikungunya, including high fever, severe joint pain, muscle pain, and darkened skin around the nose. While the disease primarily affects adults, children are also at risk of transmission.
In addition to Chikungunya, Dr. Perera highlighted the prevalence of other diseases among children, such as dengue and childhood asthma. He emphasized the need for maintaining a clean environment to prevent mosquito breeding and reduce the spread of these illnesses.
The public is urged to take proactive measures to control mosquito populations and safeguard children from these potentially serious diseases.