Seek medical advice if fever lasts for more than 24 hours

Dengue Control Unit Director Dr Sudath Samaraweera today urged people to seek immediate medical advice if one has fever for over 24 hours as Dengue is posing a massive threat.

A total of 8,842 Dengue cases have been reported in the month of December alone while the number cases in November stood at 4,561.

This brings total number of cases reported in the year 2021 to 35,800.

Addressing a news briefing at the Government Information Department, he said it is vital to seek immediate medical advice in order to ascertain whether it is Dengue or not.

 We had earlier advised people to seek medical advise if only they had fever for three days. However, with Dengue posing a monumental threat, we should instruct people accordingly as the country needs to brace for a possible massive outbreak of Dengue,” he stressed.

“Dengue cases would further increase in next couple of months as well,” he underscored.

Hence, Dr Samaraweera said a special Dengue prevention programme would be carried out in 15 Districts which have been identified as high-risk areas.

“The programme will kick off in 81 MOH areas in said districts from January 04 to 10. It will focus on identifying breeding places, destroying them and also educating people about the danger," he added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)