February 02, Colombo (LNW): Health officials have raised concerns over a notable increase in chikungunya cases across Sri Lanka, particularly in the wake of the monsoon season.
Dr. Deepal Perera, a paediatrician at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, explained that the surge in cases can be largely attributed to the rising number of mosquitoes during the wet season, which creates ideal breeding conditions for the Aedes mosquito responsible for transmitting the virus.
Chikungunya shares many symptoms with dengue fever, including high fever, joint pain, and rash, making it difficult for the public to distinguish between the two illnesses.
As the number of affected individuals rises, Dr. Perera has emphasised the importance of taking preventative measures to minimise exposure to mosquitoes, which thrive in stagnant water during the rainy months.
The Ministry of Health has urged the public to adopt proactive measures to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, such as ensuring containers are emptied of stagnant water, using mosquito repellents, and installing netting or screens in living spaces.
Public health campaigns have been rolled out to raise awareness about the disease and the steps individuals can take to protect themselves and their families.
Whilst chikungunya is generally not fatal, the symptoms can be severe, especially for young children and the elderly, and can cause long-term joint pain that may persist for months.
