Dengue warning for 10 districts

 

There is a significant increase in the number of dengue patients in Sri Lanka due to the prevalent rainy weather conditions, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.

Issuing a statement, Health Ministry said that the Minister has instructed health authorities to continue implementing the dengue eradication programmes to curtail the disease.

Addressing the media Yesterday, Consultant Community Physician of the National Dengue Control Unit Dr. Shilanthi Senevirathne said 21,154 dengue patients and 10 deaths due to the disease have been detected so far this year.

The highest number of dengue patients have been reported from the Western Province, with 68%

A high number of patients have also been reported from the Kandy, Galle, Matara, Kurunegala, Badulla, Ratnapura, and Kegalle Districts.

She said inspection of premises had seen a drastic drop due to the restrictions imposed as a result of the Covid pandemic.

However, dengue eradication programmes are currently underway in the Western and North-Easter Provinces.

Dr. Shilanthi Senevirathne further said that with selected schools reopening for academic activities, measures have been taken to inspect and clean school premises as well.

She said fever, headache, and pain under the eyes are symptoms of the disease and urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if they are suffering from such symptoms.

She further advised that people taking medicine for fever must take the prescribed amount of paracetamol only and must refrain from taking any other medication.

The Consultant Community Physician of the National Dengue Control Unit also called on the public to keep their premises clean in order to prevent the breeding of dengue mosquitoes