Infectious disease could spread in drought-stricken areas - Health Ministry

by Carol Aloysius

The Government Epidemiology Unit (GEU) has warned residents in drought-stricken areas to be vigilant about the possible outbreak of infectious diseases due to the water scarcity.

The scarcity of water has resulted in people using less water for their needs. The limited use of water especially for personal hygiene and cooking, could result in communicable water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery, conjunctivitis and skin ailments", GEU chief Dr. Paba Palihawadana said.

The following districts have been identified as drought areas by the Disaster Management Unit. North, North Central, North Western, Eastern provinces Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Polonnaruwa, Hambantota and Moneragala.

Dr. Palihawadana, has sent out circulars instructing Regional Health Directors of the relevant provinces to ensure safe and adequate drinking water for residents to minimise the risk of infectious disease spreading.

She informed them that if pipe borne water was not available, water should be collected in tanks, barrels and chlorinated adequately and monitored regularly. She called upon the Regional Health officials of the areas affected, to immediately notify the GEU and seek advice on control and prevention of such diseases in the event of any outbreak of a disease.