The country is currently going through a concerning period in terms of public health, with rising fears about four illnesses affecting the population.
The seasonal flu/influenza, dengue, and chikungunya are all reportedly increasing, and to make matters worse, there are growing concerns about a new Covid-19 sub-variant as neighbouring India is reporting an increase in cases.
Dengue breeding sites are a concern in places such as schools and public institutions, which worsens the fear of dengue as well as chikungunya as both diseases are spread by one mosquito. Health authorities have stepped up their efforts to manage the situation and to contain the spread of these illnesses. They have deployed a multitude of strategies to control dengue and chikungunya, which are transmitted through mosquito bites. Since both diseases spread in the same way, the authorities are using the same awareness campaigns to reduce mosquito breeding grounds and educate the public.
People remain deeply concerned about Covid-19, as memories of the devastating pandemic from four years ago are still fresh. With news that India is experiencing a rise in cases, the public began to fear that it is only a matter of time before the virus makes its way into Sri Lanka again. In preparation for any possible resurgence of Covid-19, polymerase chain reaction testing facilities are being strengthened and the Government is monitoring the situation closely. Health officials have stated that the current situation does not warrant alarm yet. A common concern among the public is whether previous Covid-19 vaccinations are still effective and if new vaccines will be needed. As of now, the health authorities have stated that there is no immediate need for booster doses, and that even the use of face masks is only recommended and not required. With a significant portion of the population having received one or more doses of Covid-19 vaccines, it is reasonable to believe that some level of herd immunity exists. However, with many previously-imported vaccine stocks now expired or used up, officials will have to assess whether fresh stocks are necessary.
Despite the growing fears, it is important to recognise that the public already knows a great deal about how to protect themselves. Sri Lanka has battled dengue for decades, and as a result, people are familiar with how to prevent it, i.e. by eliminating stagnant water, keeping their environments clean, and using mosquito repellents. Chikungunya, although not as common in the recent past, spreads in the same way, and similar prevention methods apply.
In the case of Covid-19, people are also familiar with effective protective measures as we lived with the pandemic for two years, and by now, terms like face masks, hand sanitisers, and social distancing are well understood. The country has undergone multiple lockdowns and vaccine drives, and as a result, the majority of the population is educated on the virus’s spread and its prevention.
Moreover, the health authorities have issued enough instructions to protect against the seasonal influenza that is spreading these days.
In this context, the public must take personal responsibility. They should not wait for government instructions to take action and understand the gravity of the situation. Preventive steps must become part of everyday behaviour, especially in households with vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. Good health practices can make a significant difference in reducing the risk of transmission.
In this context, a growing threat is the spread of misinformation and disinformation, particularly surrounding Covid-19. Inaccurate information, whether shared online or offline, can worsen public anxiety and lead to poor health-related decisions. We have seen many such incidents and their consequences during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is critical that the health authorities combat false information with clear, science-based communication that empowers people to make informed choices. Public education should be precise and scientific. Since diseases like the seasonal flu, dengue, chikungunya, and Covid-19 share many overlapping symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, headache, and fatigue, people need clear guidance on how to differentiate between them and when to seek medical help. Panicking and rushing to hospitals unnecessarily, and ignoring symptoms or relying excessively on over-the-counter medicine, and self-medication, can be harmful.
At the end of the day, while the role of the Government and the health authorities is crucial, individual responsibility and community awareness are equally so or more important. With responsible and proactive behaviour as well as reliable information, the country can manage the ongoing health threats effectively and avoid another public health crisis.