The annual birth rate in Sri Lanka has reported a significant drop, according to Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera.

Deepal Perera revealed Sri Lanka’s annual birth rate has reduced from 350,000 to 250,000. 

He said that it has also come to light that apart from autism, children are also more vulnerable to diseases like cancer and diabetes. 

Deepal Perera emphasized that as such, under the current circumstances, children need to be protected. (Newswire)

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An increase in fever, viral flu, and dengue has been reported among children in Sri Lanka, Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said.  

Dr. Deepal Perera revealed symptoms of viral fever, including cough, cold, body ache and occasional vomiting, are seen in infected children.

He further advised parents to closely monitor their children’s symptoms and seek medical attention, especially if the fever lasts for more than three days.

Dr. Deepal Perera also pointed out that there was a spread of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) among schoolchildren at present. 

Health authorities urge parents to be on the lookout for symptoms such as small, oval, white blisters on the palms and soles of children, around the mouth or on the upper buttocks, as well as brown or red skin in the mouth and itchiness.

Parents have been informed that some of these symptoms are similar to those of influenza, so it is important to seek medical advice if the fever persists.

Dr. Deepal Perera also recommended blood tests to detect dengue, a disease which is also now on the rise.

He pointed out that dengue requires special caution because of its fatal potential with a mortality rate of 0.1%.

Parents have been advised to remain vigilant and seek immediate advice from medical professionals if their child shows signs of illness. (Newswire)

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A medical expert has warned of a rise in vitamin D deficiencies in children in Sri Lanka, it was reported.

According to the Daily Morning, Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera pointed out that the lack of exposure to sunlight was a key cause for vitamin D deficiencies in children.

“Addiction to the internet and social media as well as an increased competition to get the best grades has decreased children getting exposure to the outdoors and sunlight,” he said.

Stating that this has resulted in children feeling unwell more often and malnourishment, he further said that vitamin D deficiency was a contributory cause for malnourishment in children.

The Consultant Paediatrician advised that children be allowed to engage in activities in the sun and consume foods such as fish, egg yolk and healthy fats.

Meanwhile, the Epidemiology Unit has recommended daily exposure to sunshine for 15 to 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to produce vitamin D.  

The National Health Service (NHS) has also warned that a lack of vitamin D can cause rickets, a condition that affects bone development and causes bone pain, in children. 

As per the NHS, children aged 1-4 are more prone to suffer from Vitamin D deficiency than any other age group. (Newswire)

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The public has been urged to take necessary measures to protect themselves from dehydration due to the prevalent dry weather experienced in Sri Lanka at present. 

Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera warned that especially children, sports personalities, and officers from the armed forces are prone to dehydration due to the current weather conditions.

Dr. Perera also highlighted that lack of energy, sleepiness, tiredness, headaches, vomiting, and lack of appetite are symptoms of dehydration.

He further urged the public to consume water regularly to prevent dehydration.

Meanwhile, the Met Department has forecasted that Sri Lanka can expect rainy conditions in April.

The department pointed out that even though a few showers may be experienced in some areas at present, the country will face dry weather conditions until April. (NewsWire)

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The public has been warned of various skin diseases due to the prevalent dry weather in Sri Lanka. 

Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said there is a rise in skin diseases due to the dry weather conditions in the country. 

He further said that it is advised to bathe children at least twice a day, in the morning and at night. 

Dr. Deepal Perera added that it was essential for children to be hydrated by drinking water or liquids regularly. (NewsWire)

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Four cases of measles have been detected at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Consultant Paediatrician at the hospital Dr. Deepal Perera said. 

Speaking to the media yesterday, Dr. Perera stated that 12 children have shown symptoms of measles as of Monday (10), while four are confirmed to have contracted the disease.

“Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. It also includes a type of rash on the body known as the Measles rash,” he explained. 

Dr. Perera further revealed that children who had failed to obtain the MMR vaccine for measles are among those with symptoms of the disease.

“The MMR vaccine is provided at 09 months and three years for children free of charge. We advise parents to obtain these vaccines for their children to ensure their health and safety,” he added. 

Dr. Deepal Perera warned that a significant increase in measles has been observed in the past few days, and urged parents to remain vigilant as it could result in severe health complications for the children. 

He also urged parents to obtain the MMR vaccine for measles without fail for their children to prevent such health complications. (NewsWire)

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The viral flu and influenza are rapidly spreading among children in Sri Lanka at present, consultant paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera has warned. 

Dr. Perera advised parents to immediately seek medical attention if their children have been suffering from fever continuously for 3-4 days.

Speaking to the media, he said it has been observed that the flu and influenza were rapidly spreading mostly among young children. 

Dr. Perera further revealed that the symptoms of the viral flu and influenza are generally cough, phlegm, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Stating that some people had shown symptoms common to the flu and influenza, he said however, some had tested positive for influenza, while others had not despite similar symptoms. 

Advising parents of children with symptoms to refrain from sending them to school, pre-school, and daycares, Dr. Deepal Perera urged them to immediately seek medical attention and to only consume medicines prescribed by doctors. (NewsWire)

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