At least 76 killed by dengue outbreak in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, May 21, 2010
Over 75 people have been killed and over 13,500 people have been infected by dengue fever between January and the end of April, according to Sri Lankan media reports. According to Asia News, epidemiologists with the Dengue Eradication Program have warned that the disease could spread because of the coming rainy season. The epidemiologists reportedly blame the government for failing to take appropriate steps to stop the spread of the disease, such as informing the public or stockpiling insecticides. According to Asia News, the scientists have urged the public to keep their homes clean and cooperate with officials as the rainy season approaches. The northern Jaffna peninsula is the area most at risk because of the presence of large displaced camps with poor sanitation and stagnant waters. According to the Daily Mirror, the Director of the government Epidemiology Unit, Dr. Prabha Palihawadana, said that the spread of dengue was brought under control and that there has been a decline of dengue cases over the past few weeks. Additionally, the first Presidential Task Force (TF) for Dengue Control, appointed by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the request of Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena, will meet this week, the Daily Mirror reported a Health Ministry spokesperson as saying. "The purpose of the setting up of the TF is to coordinate and obtain the assistance of all stake holders to carry out dengue control programs all year round. The Health Ministry took the full responsibility of control, prevention and the treatment of patients of dengue in the past. But there are several other state institutions that must get involved in this task to make this program a success," the Daily Mirror quoted ministry spokesperson W.M.D. Wanninayaka as saying. Dengue fever, which is carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, causes symptoms of high fever, rashes, headaches and muscle and joint pain. Most dengue infections cause relatively mild illness, but some can progress into dengue hemorrhagic fever, which is a severe and often fatal complication of the disease.
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