Health officials warn of Chikungunya spike
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Health authorities have raised concerns over a noticeable increase in the spread of the Chikungunya virus in the Colombo and Kotte areas after several years of low transmission.Medical experts state that the only effective way to control the spread of Chikungunya is by eliminating mosquito breeding sites as much as possible.
The Chikungunya virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, has been identified across regions in Africa, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.Authorities also point out that the disease can spread to unaffected regions through infected travelers, posing a further risk of expansion.They further warned that Sri Lanka is currently witnessing a re-emergence of the disease, especially in certain urban zones.
With school holidays ongoing, children are more exposed to outdoor environments, and recent rainfall in some areas may contribute to a rise in mosquito density. Therefore, the public is urged to remain vigilant, destroy mosquito breeding places, and maintain clean surroundings to prevent further spread.
According to the World Health Organization, the common signs and symptoms of Chikungunya include:
– Sudden onset of fever– Joint pain, often severe and commonly affecting the hands and feet
– Muscle pain
– Headache
– Nausea
– Fatigue
– Rash
Symptoms typically appear four to eight days after a mosquito bite but can range from two to 12 days. Most patients recover fully, but joint pain may persist for weeks or months in some cases. Chikungunya is rarely fatal, though it can be more severe in older adults, newborns, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
