Don’t self-medicate for mosquito borne illnesses, warn experts

Chikungunya treatment may endanger Dengue patients

Nearly 34,000 Chikungunya and Dengue cases

Western Province accounts for majority of cases

Special task force to control Dengue and Chikungunya

Highlights the rising cases of normal viral fever that also has similar symptoms

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

In the wake of the rising cases of mosquito-borne illnesses and regular viral fever, health authorities urge the public to visit a doctor if they have fever that lasts more than two days.   
Speaking to Daily Mirror, Consultant Physician Dr. Achala Balasuriya warned that trying to treat a fever at home without proper medical advice can be dangerous.   
“Some people may think it’s just a simple viral fever, but serious illnesses like Dengue or Chikungunya can start with similar symptoms,”   
“However, it’s important to get tested early and avoid using medicines that may worsen the condition.”   
She also advices the public not to take over-the-counter painkillers like Aspirin or ibuprofen without consulting a doctor. These medicines might not be safe for every type of fever.   
“If you have fever that continues for more than two days especially with tiredness, skin rashes, or joint pain, it is best to go to a hospital or clinic for a proper check-up,” she added.   
Furthermore, she stated that they had seen a spike in Chikungunya cases these days. “What we see different here is that the joint pain lasts at least one month after initial recovery,” she said.   
“The main symptoms include sudden high fever, severe joint pain, muscle aches, headache, nausea, fatigue, and skin rashes. While most patients recover within a week, joint pain can persist for months or even years in some cases, particularly among older individuals,” 

Moreover, the expert highlighted the rising cases of normal viral fever that also has similar symptoms.   
As such, she reiterated the importance of seeking medical advice if fever persists more than two days.   
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has reported over 17,000 Dengue cases and 16,600 Chikungunya cases since January.   
Of the total Dengue cases, over 50 percent of cases have been reported from the Western Province.   
According to Chief Medical Officer of Health at the CMC, Dr. Geethika Ratnawardena, 1,800 of these cases were reported within the CMC area.   
In light of the gravity of the situation, a special task force has been appointed to control the spread of Dengue and Chikungunya, according to Dr. L.A. Kalukapuarachchi, Secretary of the Ministry of Health of the Western Provincial Council.