Worm tape disease stunting the growth of estate children

The University of Peradeniya has discovered that a tapeworm disease is fast spreading among the children living in tea estates.

 According to Director of the Department of Parasitology at the Peradeniya University Medical Faculty, Dr Susiji Wickramasinghe. Around 30 percent of children under the age of 12 are said to be suffering from this disease.

 Dr Wickramasinghe says the children are suffering from the disease identified as Ascaris Lumbricoides and preventive measures should be taken immediately to halt its spread further.

 According to research done, it has been discovered that while only one percent of children in urban areas were found with the disease, 30 percent of estate children in Kandy and surrounding areas are suffering from the disease.

 According to Dr Wickramasinghe, the disease is fast spreading in these areas due to lack of sanitary facilities which has resulted in several families using the same toilet facilities, defecating in the outdoors and bacteria finding its way into food being consumed.

 He also pointed out that the disease stunts the growth of children while correct medication can prevent this disease.

 With sanitation being at the heart of the issue, Dr. Wickramasinghe says sanitary facilities in the estates should be improved. He also stressed that the Ministry of Health should continuously work to provide necessary medical treatment for those affected.

(Radio Gagana - Nadeeka Daya Bandara)