The Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors’ Association has raised concerns over a rise in chikungunya cases, with Secretary Chamil Muthukuda warning that the current rainy conditions have increased the risk of both chikungunya and dengue outbreaks.
Muthukuda emphasized that both diseases are transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, and that the current situation has been worsened by poor household sanitation and the increased movement of people during the long weekend and school holidays, including visits to friends’ and relatives’ homes.
“People must take responsibility to maintain mosquito-free environments around their homes,” he stressed.
He urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if fever lasts more than two days, as relying on home remedies could delay proper treatment and potentially lead to fatal outcomes, especially in dengue cases.
