Health experts reject PM’s claims linking dengue surge to ‘new strain’

Colombo, June 28 (Daily Mirror) - Health experts have rejected recent statements by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni attributing the current surge in dengue cases to a new or modified strain of the dengue virus, insisting there is no scientific evidence to support such claims.

Consultant Paediatrician Dr. LakKumar Fernando told the Daily Mirror that no laboratory in Sri Lanka has identified a new dengue virus strain and stressed that there is no evidence to support claims that a new variant is responsible for the recent increase in infections.

“No one, no laboratory has found a new strain. There is no evidence for such a claim,” Dr. Fernando said.

Meanwhile, Senior Consultant Physician Dr. Uditha Wijewickrama also dismissed suggestions that a new strain was driving the outbreak, explaining that the rise in cases is instead linked to the current dominance of dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2).

He said dengue outbreaks are influenced by the circulation of different serotypes, and in recent months, Type 2 has become more prevalent, replacing the previously dominant Type 3.

Dr. Wijewickrama noted that the shift in the circulating serotype has contributed to the sharp increase in dengue cases, as many people may have lower immunity to Type 2.

The clarification comes after Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated that the recent surge in dengue infections was being driven by the emergence of a new dengue virus strain.

Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni also said a modified strain of the dengue virus was contributing to the current spread of the disease in Sri Lanka, increasing the risk of infection among the population.

However, health experts maintain that while the circulating serotype has changed, there is no confirmed evidence of a new or modified dengue virus strain in the country.