THE SANITARY AND HY GIENIC PROBLEMS CAUSED BY QUALITY OF FRESH WATER IN SRI LANKA AND AVAILABLE MEASURES OF PROPHYLAXIS

T he sanitary and hygienic problems of Sri Lanka caused by low - quality drinking water are connected with the general insanitary situation in the country. The analysis of publications for the purpose of identification of an epidemiological situation showed th at hot climate with high humidity, floods and a tsunami, low level of sanitary litera- cy of the population promote spread of helminthoses and infectious diseases. Children and the poorest segments of the population are especially subject to these diseases. Available measures of prevention are providing households with the bathrooms preventing pollution of the soil and water bodies with infectious agents and helminthoses, consumption of boiled water, washing of hands before food with soap and general sanitary education of the population.