Children at the centre of danger after Ditwah - Experts warn

By Sheain Fernandopulle

With the Ditwah cyclone finally behind us and floodwaters slowly receding, health experts warn children are at the centre of danger owing to the rise in post-disaster illnesses.  

Speaking to Daily Mirror, Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Maheshaka Wijayawardena, said, a major concern is the spread of waterborne diseases as floodwater contaminated with sewage can lead to diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid and viral hepatitis. 

“Children should only be given boiled or bottled water during this period. Even a short delay in treatment for diarrhoea can result in dangerous dehydration in infants,” he cautioned.