Dengue fast spreading; 6,483 cases reported in May: Dr. Samaraweera

Dengue fever was fast spreading with the onset of the Southwest monsoon where some 6,483 dengue patients have been reported last month alone, Director of the National Dengue Control Unit Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said today.

He told reporters that a total of 24,523 suspected dengue cases have been reported so far this year.

“Some 313 dengue cases were reported yesterday.Most of the cases were reported from Colombo while cases were reported from Kandy, Galle, Jaffna, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kegalle and Rathnapura districts as well,” he said.

Dr. Samaraweera said there has been an increasing tendency of dengue cases for the last three months and added that cases would drastically increase in days to come due to the Southwest monsoon rains.

He requested people to destroy mosquito breeding grounds in houses, office premises and in public places so as to prevent the disease.

“It was observed that mosquitos are breeding in construction sites which have been closed down these days due to economic crisis. Full strength and attention were paid to control Covid-19 recently and dengue control was overlooked,” Dr. Samaraweera said.

He advised people to seek immediate medical treatment if fever persists for more than twenty-four hours.(Ajith Siriwardana)