Colombo, May 30 (newsin.asia) – Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry, on Wednesday warned that diseases such as dengue, leptospirosis and other skin related disorders could spread in districts affected by the recent floods and urged the public to take precautions.
The government information department, quoting medical experts said that with flood waters receding in several districts, epidemics caused by animals could also spread in addition to skin diseases and respiratory disorders.
The districts of Puttalam, Galle, Matara, Kalutara and Ratnapura were severely affected as a result of the recent monsoonal rains.
Provincial epidemiologists said that diseases could spread faster in these districts since they were the worst affected.
Director of Health Services in the Sabaragamuwa Province, Dr.Kapila Kannangara said urgent medicines were needed in the affected areas.
Medical officers further urged the public to only drink cooled boiled water, refrain from consuming raw vegetables and fruits, consume cooked meals, keep food items in closed containers, wash hands with soap, refrain from walking in flood waters and destroy possible dengue breeding areas, in order to prevent the spread of diseases.
Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Center (DMC) on Tuesday said the tri forces, along with the police and relief teams had begun a massive clean up campaign in several districts which were affected by the monsoonal rains as the water levels receded.
