Dengue rises, not at alarming levels

By PRANAVESH SIVAKUMAR

Colombo, June 9 (Daily Mirror) - The number of reported dengue cases crossed the 25,000 mark yesterday, and fatalities stood at 13, up from six last month, Dr. Prescila Samaraweera of the National Dengue Control Unit told the Daily Mirror.

During last month’s Vesak period alone, the Daily Mirror had reported 19,000 cases.

When asked if there was a surge, she responded, “There is only a small surge. This is due to the recent low-pressure situation.”

She also expressed optimism, saying, “No, there is no alarming number. There is, however, an increase in dengue cases compared to last May. But when compared to the same period last year, there is no such increase.”

Last year, in aggregate, there were 49,000 cases, with 19,000 reported during this year’s Vesak period.

Dr. Samaraweera maintained that although the second half of the year remains, it is unlikely that this year’s cases will outnumber those of last year.

“We have taken a lot of measures to curtail this outbreak. I do not think it will surpass last year,” she said optimistically.

With Western Province leading the lot as expected, in second and third spots are Sabaragamuwa and Eastern Province.

She reiterated her point by citing a notable example from 2017, when a whopping 186,000 cases were recorded, adding that such numbers are unlikely this year.