Parents urged to stay alert as multiple diseases spread among children

By Mangala Pavithrani

Colombo, June 15 (Daily Mirror) - Parents should remain vigilant as several diseases are currently spreading among children across the country, Specialist Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) in Colombo said.

Addressing the media, Dr. Perera said dengue, influenza, hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), and viral meningitis are among the illnesses being reported among children at present.

"It is the responsibility of everyone to be aware of these diseases and take the necessary steps to protect children," he said.

Dr. Perera warned that dengue can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early. He said the main symptoms include fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, severe body aches, joint pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.

"If a child has a fever for more than two days, parents should seek medical attention immediately," he said.

The doctor said influenza is usually accompanied by fever, cough, chills and body aches, and advised parents to seek medical advice if children develop these symptoms.

He also recommended that sick children wear face masks when attending school, preschool or daycare centres to help reduce the spread of infection. Dr. Perera stressed the importance of ensuring children get adequate rest while recovering.

Referring to HFMD, which is caused by the Coxsackievirus, Dr. Perera said symptoms include red spots or white fluid-filled blisters on the hands, feet, elbows and inside the mouth.

As the disease spreads easily through close contact, he advised parents to keep infected children at home for three to four days and ensure they receive proper medical treatment.

Dr. Perera also revealed that cases of viral meningitis are being reported among children. The main symptoms include fever, severe headache, vomiting, sensitivity to light, discomfort caused by loud sounds and body aches.