Seek medical help for children's fevers over 24 hours amid dengue surge in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan health officials are strongly advising parents to seek prompt medical care for children experiencing fevers that persist for more than 24 hours, as the risk of dengue fever spreads. Dr. Pradeep Ratnasekera, Director of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo, emphasized the critical need to avoid delaying treatment with home remedies.

Currently, the Lady Ridgeway Hospital is treating approximately 50 children for dengue, with about a quarter of them in serious condition. Dr. Ratnasekera warned that a further increase in cases could strain hospital capacity. He stressed that the primary cause of many fatalities is the delay in bringing children to the hospital, particularly those from remote areas.

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Especially, I want to say, there is no need to bring the child to Lady Ridgeway Hospital from distant areas. The main reason for most deaths is the delay in bringing the child to the hospital. If the fever persists for more than 24 hours, seeking medical advice is appropriate.

"Especially, I want to say, there is no need to bring the child to Lady Ridgeway Hospital from distant areas. The main reason for most deaths is the delay in bringing the child to the hospital. If the fever persists for more than 24 hours, seeking medical advice is appropriate," he stated. He urged parents not to waste valuable time with home treatments but to quickly consult a qualified doctor or a government physician.

The hospital has reported only one dengue-related death so far. Meanwhile, the National Dengue Control Unit has recorded a total of 82,011 dengue cases and 61 deaths across the country.

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Do not waste valuable time with home treatments but to quickly consult a qualified doctor or a government physician.