Mysterious disease Thousands of dead in Sri Lanka

Mysterious disease: Thousands dead in Sri Lanka

01/19/2015

Already thousands of people have become victims of a mysterious kidney disease in Sri Lanka. The number of sufferers looking for donor organs is increasing. The cause of the serious illness is not yet known. Researchers suggest that the intensive use of chemicals in agriculture could be responsible.

„Kidneys urgently wanted!“
„Kidneys urgently wanted!“ Such reports of kidney patients and their relatives are currently found in the newspapers of Sri Lanka heaped. The affected people urgently need donor organs. As reported by the news agency AP, the number of cries for help increases, as on the tropical island a mysterious, fatal kidney disease bypasses. The 47-year-old Kalyani Samarasinghe said before the health center of Rajanganaya in northern Sri Lanka: „As soon as you get a stomach ache, you ask yourself: is it the kidneys??“

20,000 dead in 20 years
In the past 20 years, about 20,000 people have fallen victim to kidney failure, with up to 400,000 more likely to be affected. Farmers in Central America, India or Egypt also report similar mass illnesses. In the seven districts of Sri Lanka, where the cases are piling up, agriculture has changed dramatically since the 1960s. Among other things, massive use of pesticides and fertilizers is taking place in this arid region. Since no cases of kidney disease have been reported in other parts of the country, a connection seems plausible. But the actual cause of the disease is still unclear.

More women than men affected
Two years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) found in the urine of those affected increased cadmium and pesticide residues. Elevated creatinine levels in the blood indicate kidney disease. In three of the districts studied, 15 percent of adults were ill. Even though more women were affected, men over the age of 39 had worse symptoms. The experts assumed that the detected residues in combination with other toxins such as arsenic over a long period of time, the kidneys could seriously harm accordingly. Drinking water was the prime suspect at the time, but the samples were fine according to the report. Nevertheless, WHO author Shanthi Mendis warned that water quality should be given top priority, alongside the regulation of chemicals in agriculture.

Use of hazardous chemicals without protective clothing
Residents are also afraid that dangerous components of the fertilizer will leak into the groundwater. Farmers are still infusing their fields with chemicals, often blended with kerosene or a mix of insecticides. And all without protective clothing. „Without the chemicals, it is difficult to get rid of the weeds“, said Ajith Welagedara. He mixes significantly more glyphosate, the main constituent of the most popular crop protection product in Sri Lanka, in his spray bottle than is recommended for use in agriculture. He worries, as he confesses: „But there is no other way.“

No adequate medical care
Although some chemicals have been banned since the WHO report, there is a lack of enforcement. The pesticides are still available. The Ministry of Health now wants to record how many people in the region are affected by chronic kidney disease. The fear drives many into clinics where they check their blood and urine. People cherish the hope that early recognition can slow down the course of the disease. Out of a 1,000-soul village, nearly all residents have come to the health post in Rajanganaya. Many of them witnessed the cruel death of relatives and neighbors. It is said that in the most affected places weekly deaths are normal. Ill patients can hardly expect sufficient medical care. There are only 183 dialysis machines in the 20 million-inhabitant state. These are definitely not enough for the recommended three bloods a week.

Early diagnosis and treatment
The importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of kidney disease was also addressed by German Diabetes Aid last year on the occasion of World Kidney Day. Accordingly, kidney problems are often still relatively treatable with early diagnosis. Among other things, the treatment of high blood pressure plays a special role, as kidney disease can be the cause as well as the consequence of hypertension. In this country, physicians also advise people affected by kidney disease about an adapted lifestyle, medication and nutrition. However, people in Sri Lanka would certainly be helped more with a better health system. (Ad)