Epidemic fears grow in Trincomalee

[TamilNet, Sunday, 13 March 2005, 13:12 GMT]
Dr.T.Thavakodirajah, Regional Epidemiologist, citing in a report to Colombo health authorities, of Dengue cases in the Ministry of Health (MOH) areas of Trincomalee and Kinniya, malaria cases in Trincomalee MOH area, viral hepatitis cases in Sampoor in Muttur MOH division and dysentery cases in Muttur town, added that immediate action needs to be taken to arrest the spread of infectious diseases, sources said.

Dengue cases are reported mainly from peripheral area of Trincomalee town and Kinniya town area. Malarial cases were reported mainly in Illupankulam in the Trincomalee MOH area because of springs and ponds located are found to be breeding grounds for mosquitoes and also due to resettlement and rain-fed cultivation.

Action has been taken to contain the outbreak with measures such as spraying of shelters with residual insecticide and distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets in high-risk areas, the report said.

Attempts were made to cover water storage containers to prevent from becoming mosquito-breeding sites and also to eliminate pooled water, report states.

Viral Hepatitis cases are being reported from Central Dispensary, Sampoor and Thileepan hospital, Pattalipuram. So far, 32 cases of Viral Hepatitis were notified from these hospitals. Of them only 04 cases were reported from tsunami welfare centres. Rest of the cases were reported from out side of these camps.

Investigation revealed that mainly 2 to 12 years old children are affected by the Viral Hepatitis infection due to the consumption of ice creams sold by vendors. The outbreak of viral hepatitis in the year 2004 was brought to control due to ban imposed on the sale of ice cream produced illegally following the discovery of faecal contaminated water being used for the preparation, the report said.

In Sampoor and Pattalipuram areas in the Muttur east sale of ice creams and other related products are banned and other measures such as providing safe water and food supply. Improvement of personal hygiene is being taken to control and prevent the spread of viral hepatitis. Drinking water is being chlorinated systematically. Peoples are advised and they are monitored. Action is being taken to construct at least 20 temporary toilets in Pattalipuram Welfare centre as an emergency measure as there are only 02 temporary toilets currently available. Health education programme is being carried out, the report further states.

Severe outbreak of dysentery is witnessed in Muttur town area due to the contamination of well water and also the people of the area are ignoring health advice. Supply of safe water is a problem in these areas. Immediate measure should be taken to supply safe drinking water. Number of toilets in welfare centres located in Pattalipuram and Muttur town is not sufficient for the inmates, the report states.