Health authorities are facing criticism for failing to issue proper guidelines to contain the rapid spread of Chikungunya across the country.
PHI Union Head Upul Rohana told the media that, unlike Dengue, no clear instructions have been given for Chikungunya control, despite both diseases being transmitted by the same mosquito species.
Rohana noted that existing Dengue prevention tools could be applied to Chikungunya, but the lack of direction has left public health workers uncertain.
He further warned that while Dengue cases seem to be declining, Chikungunya infections are rising in multiple regions.
Rohana also pointed out that Chikungunya is not currently classified as a notifiable disease, leading to unreliable case data.
Consultant Physician Dr. Achala Balasuriya explained that Chikungunya spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
She said these mosquitoes become infected by biting someone with the virus and can spread it to others after an incubation period of 4 to 7 days.
The mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and late afternoon and commonly breed in stagnant water found in containers like flower pots, tires, and clogged drains.
Dr. Balasuriya emphasized that Chikungunya does not spread from person to person but only through mosquito bites.
She warned that the virus is on the rise and often causes long-lasting joint pain, which can persist for a month or more post-recovery.
Common symptoms include sudden fever, severe joint pain, muscle aches, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and skin rashes.
While most patients recover in about a week, lingering joint pain can affect older individuals for months or even years.
Media reported that attempts to reach the Chief Epidemiologist for comment were unsuccessful.
