Over 21,000 dengue cases reported: Public urged to clean high risk areas

By Poojathmi Rivithma

Colombo, May 21 (Daily Mirror) - A total of 21,000 dengue cases have been reported across 15 districts during the dengue relief programme, Health Promotion Bureau.

Consultant Community Physician Dr. Preshila Samaraweera said that 21,439 dengue cases and 10 related deaths have been reported, with the Western Province accounting for the highest number of cases at 45%.

She said that the highest number of cases were reported from Colombo, Gampaha, Ratnapura, Batticaloa, Kandy, Galle, Matara, Trincomalee, Kurunegala and Kalmunai.

Health authorities highlighted that 40,108 places were inspected over two days, and 10,613 locations were identified as potential mosquito breeding sites.

Furthermore, 1,407 red warnings have been issued, and legal action has been taken against 347 cases.

Dr. Samaraweera urge the public to clean their surroundings, noting that schools, religious places, construction sites etc. show more mosquito breeding than houses.