Chikungunya, a viral fever transmitted by the same mosquito responsible for dengue, is currently at risk of spreading, prompting health officials to urge the public to take immediate action in eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.
Speaking to Mawrata, Dr. Deepal Perera, a specialist at the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital in Colombo, emphasized the need for proactive measures to curb the potential outbreak.
“Patients infected with Chikungunya experience high fever, joint pain, and body rashes similar to dengue,” Dr. Perera explained. He stressed the importance of adequate rest for recovery, particularly noting that elderly individuals who contract the virus may suffer from prolonged joint pain lasting over two months.
Dr. Perera also cautioned the public to remain vigilant and maintain cleanliness in their homes and surroundings to reduce the risk of infection.
“The risk of Chikungunya transmission increases when a dengue mosquito bites an infected patient and subsequently bites another individual,” he warned.
Health authorities continue to urge the community to act swiftly in eliminating stagnant water sources to prevent further spread of this mosquito-borne disease.
