Dengue Fever: Sri Lanka Fights Back
Dengue Fever: Sri Lanka Fights Back
Dengue is endemic in Puerto Rico, South America and South east Asia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Dengue is the fastest spreading mosquito borne viral disease. 40% of the world’s population lives under the threat of Dengue infection. The first reported cases of Dengue in Sri Lanka were in 1962. However there has been a rapid rise in the number of cases, especially in urban areas, since 2013.
In 2016 alone, according to the Epidemiology Unit-Ministry of Health, there were a total of 51823 cases of Dengue in Sri Lanka. Colombo was the most affected with 15303 cases (31% of total). Other most affected cities include Gampaha, Kandy and Kalutara. 78 Dengue deaths from all parts of the country were reported in 2016.
Dengue fever is caused by one of four types of Dengue viruses which are transmitted by the Aedes mosquito that feeds during the daytime (from dawn to dusk). The mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Symptoms occur 3-14 days after a bite from an infected mosquito and can vary from asymptomatic to mild or severe. Diagnosis is based on clinical features and lab tests (such as MAC Elisa, IgG Elisa). Early diagnosis and supportive management is vital to prevent complications and even death.
In order to combat the recent upsurge in cases, the Government is taking action. If you travelled to Sri Lanka recently and smelled intermittent burning, it is probably the result of a campaign launched in July 2016 by the army, police and health authorities to destroy breeding grounds of mosquitoes. In addition, there is an initiative to educate the public regarding the disease and its vector, and to take legal action against anyone maintaining an environment that can harbor mosquitoes. Inspection of houses, vacant land and government buildings is taking place.
There are many theories about the reason for the increased incidence of cases but ultimately vector control and a vaccination if/when available are the best solution. Sri Lanka was one of four South Asian countries chosen for the Phase III Takeda trial of its live-attenuated tetravalent Dengue vaccine. The trial began in Asia in September 2016.
In the meantime, to prevent mosquito bites, travelers are advised to use mosquito repellant, wear lightweight long sleeved garments and clear their environment of stagnant water.
www.epid.gov.lk
www.iamat.org/country/sri-lanka/risk/dengue
www.infectionlandscapes.org/2011/01/dengue-part-2-mosquito-and-its-ecology.html
www.denguevaccines.org
