Current weather ideal for spread of dengue : Health Department

Colombo (News 1st) - The Health Department has informed the public regarding the possible outbreak of diseases due to the prevailing weather conditions. Professor at the Department of Epidemiology Dr Samitha Geeganage stated that diseases such as diarrhoea are likely to be spread in the current weather. The Health Department further states that prevailing weather conditions have facilitated the rise of dengue. Dr Aruna Jayasekara of National Dengue Eradication Unit stated that along with the subsiding flood levels, the environment would be more susceptible dengue. The National Dengue Eradication Unit stated that the number of dengue patients recorded in the past 8 months has increased by 10% in comparison to that of last year. 48 500 dengue patients have been reported island-wide during the past 8 months of this year.