In addition to dengue fever and rat fever, influenza is also spreading with the ongoing heavy rains, prompting Pediatrician Dr. Harris Pathirage to urge the public to seek immediate medical attention if a fever persists for more than two days, Sri Lanka Latest News reports.
The specialist further warns that influenza cases tend to rise during cold and wet weather, increasing the risk of developing pneumonia.
Dr. Pathirage emphasizes that parents should take measures to help young children adapt to the cold season and build resilience against infections. He advises parents to avoid giving cold foods to children, refrain from bathing them in cold water, and prevent them from playing in the rain.
He also reiterates that if a fever lasts longer than two days, it is crucial to consult a doctor promptly, get adequate bed rest, and maintain clean surroundings to prevent dengue transmission.
Meanwhile, Community Medical Specialist of the Dengue Control Unit, Ms. Prasila Samaraweera, cautions that the current heavy rains have increased mosquito density, heightening the risk of dengue outbreaks. She urges the public to keep their premises and surrounding areas clean.
As of October 25, a total of 40,956 dengue patients have been reported, along with 22 dengue-related deaths, according to official data.
The Dengue Control Program has identified Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Ratnapura, Jaffna, Batticaloa, Kandy, Kurunegala, and Kegalle as high-risk zones for dengue transmission.
