Has Chikungunya been contained?

 Daily Mirror found that many urban areas still have mosquito breeding places out in the open, a clear sign that the work to stop the spread is not being done properly

Symptoms similar to Dengue but added joint pain that can linger for weeks or even months

Health authorities have now issued a circular regarding Chikungunya

Measures to contain both Dengue and Chikungunya are very much similar

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

Despite health authorities issuing fresh guidelines to tackle the growing threat of Chikungunya, action on the ground tells a different story as it seems the fight against this mosquito-borne disease is more talk than walk.   

Chikungunya, which spreads through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, is now cropping up in different corners of the country. With symptoms similar to Dengue but added joint pain that can linger for weeks or even months, it’s a disease that’s no walk in the park.   

When Daily Mirror spoke to Upul Rohana, Head of the Public Health Inspectors’ Union, he said that the Health Ministry has issued a circular with guidelines.   

“Although measures to prevent Dengue have long been in place, there had been no proper guidance from health officials on how to control the spread of Chikungunya. The health authorities have now issued a circular regarding Chikungunya. We are acting according to that,” he explained.   

“Measures to contain both Dengue and Chikungunya are very much similar. However, in light of the increasing cases, we have expedited the preventive measures,” Rohana added.   

Nevertheless, Daily Mirror found that many urban areas still have mosquito breeding places out in the open, a clear sign that the work to stop the spread is not being done properly.   

As such, it is high time authorities act swiftly before things go from bad to worse.