Dengue spreading fast among children; docs ask parents to remain vigilant

There are about 40 children afflicted with dengue undergoing treatment at the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital (LRH), consultant paediatrician there Dr. Deepal Perera says.

Dr. Perera has said if children have fever, they should be tested for dengue.”If there are symptoms, get the children tested. If they test positive, seek medical help immediately,” he said.Children who are dengue positive must be given natural liquids. They should not be given foods that are red or black in colour, he said.

Dr. Perera also asked parents not to give children too much paracetamol in the case of dengue and to ensure that children do not overexert until about three weeks after they recover from dengue.

“Don’t take dengue lightly. There can be serious long term effects. Make sure that your home is a dengue free zone by destroying breeding grounds,” he said.

31, 993 dengue patients have been reported from 01 January to 09 May, the health ministry said. The highest number of cases were reported from the western province, i.e. 15, 746 cases. All Medical Officers of Health have been asked to conduct dengue eradication programmes. (RK)