Children's Hospital also full - Dengue risk until mid-August

Dr. Pradeep Ratnasekara, Director of Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo, states that with the current dengue outbreak across the island, the number of children seeking treatment at the hospital has significantly increased. In light of the severe patient congestion, the cooperation of parents and guardians has become essential to ensure prompt and systematic medical services for children.

Accordingly, the hospital director requests that whenever children are brought to the hospital for treatment or clinical activities, five essential documents must be brought: the Child Health Development Record Book, the Weight Record Book, the Personal Health Number or Barcode Card, information on drug and food allergies, as well as clinical record books, hospital discharge cards, or diagnostic cards. The full cooperation of the public is expected for this, and if further information is required, it can be obtained through the Director's Office of Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children at 011 2693711 (extension: 307).

Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa states that although there has been a slight decrease in the number of dengue patients reported from other parts of the island, excluding three districts, the risk of the disease has not yet completely subsided. The Minister points out that this risky situation is expected to persist for approximately another three weeks until mid-August.

The Minister stated at the weekly cabinet decision briefing that the strong public interest was a reason for the control of patient numbers in several districts, including Colombo. He emphasized that the spread of dengue cannot be curbed merely by declaring a one-day holiday for environmental cleaning, and that mosquitoes can breed even in unnoticed places inside homes.

The Minister urged the public to seek the assistance of Medical Officers of Health (MOH) offices and Public Health Inspectors (PHI) for fogging mosquito breeding sites until the Southwest monsoon rains subside. He further stated that a swift and permanent solution to the dengue problem should be reached after the monsoon season ends.