Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera has warned that the swings in weather across Sri Lanka — extreme heat in some parts of the island and heavy rainfall in others — are increasing the risk of pathogens spreading among children, Ada Derana reported.
Perera said the prevailing heat leaves children, adults and pregnant women exposed to rapid dehydration, and urged the public to raise daily water intake. An average adult should drink at least three litres a day, he said, while parents should ensure children get an amount appropriate to their body weight.
Prolonged inadequate water intake can significantly raise the risk of kidney-related illness, he said. Working outdoors, spending long periods outside or travelling in the sun without enough fluids can also bring on heatstroke, dizziness and seizures — conditions he described as severe and, in some cases, potentially fatal. He advised carrying a bottle of water when leaving home.
Food and water hygiene
Perera also reported a high prevalence of diarrhoea during the current period, and told parents to make sure children drink only clean water and eat food prepared hygienically.
He advised against giving children sugary drinks and short eats, recommending natural fluids and nutritious foods instead — lime, mandarin and orange juice, king coconut water, porridge and soups. Children taking part in outdoor activities should be encouraged to drink extra water, and allowing them more time in water during extreme heat can be beneficial, he said.
Separately, the paediatrician urged parents to encourage physical activity rather than let children spend excessive amounts of time on mobile phones.
The advisory comes as dry weather continues to affect tens of thousands of people across several districts, with the Disaster Relief Services Centre reporting drinking water shortages and reservoir storage running low in parts of the east.
