Parents are advised to remain vigilant as several illnesses are currently spreading among children, according to Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo.
Dr. Perera said that cases of dengue fever, influenza, hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), and meningitis are being reported among children these days.
He emphasized that raising awareness about these diseases and taking preventive measures to avoid infection is a responsibility shared by parents, schools, and the wider community.
Speaking about dengue fever, the specialist noted that it is a potentially life-threatening disease.
Common symptoms include fever, headache, and pain in eyes, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. He advised parents to seek medical attention if a child experiences a fever lasting more than two days.
Regarding influenza, Dr. Perera said symptoms include fever, cough, cold, body aches, and joint pain. Parents are advised to obtain medical treatment for children who develop fever along with cough and cold symptoms.
He further recommended that children suffering from influenza be given adequate rest. If children need to attend school, preschool, or daycare, they should wear face masks to help prevent the spread of the illness to others.
Dr. Perera also noted an increase in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease among children. Symptoms include red spots on the feet, elbows, and around the mouth, while some children may develop fluid-filled blisters.
The disease is caused by the Coxsackie virus and can spread through direct contact between infected and healthy children. Parents were advised to keep affected children at home for three to four days and seek appropriate medical treatment.
Meanwhile, cases of viral meningitis have also been reported among children. According to Dr. Perera, symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, sensitivity to light, discomfort when looking at bright lights, aversion to loud sounds, and body aches.
He explained that the disease can spread through contaminated food and via the respiratory tract. To reduce the risk of infection, he advised consuming hygienically prepared food, drinking boiled and cooled water, and wearing face masks when experiencing coughs or colds.
Health authorities have urged parents to monitor their children closely and seek medical advice promptly if any of these symptoms are observed.
