The risk of Dengue to intensify in the coming days: Health Authorities

COLOMBO (News 1st): Health authorities warn that there is a possibility, the risk of Dengue may increase in the coming days, especially in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North Western provinces. "The risk of Dengue has intensifed as the South-West Monsoon rains have activated," said Dr. Aruna Jayasekera, the Director of the National Dengue Eradication Unit. Dr. Jayasekara on Thursday (30th April) said, "The majority of Dengue patients are reported from the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North Western provinces, with the activation of the South-West Monsoon rains." "With majority of the people focusing on containing the spread of COVID-19, this year it will be difficult to carry out Dengue Eradication efforts; therefore, people are urged to clean their surroundings while they stay at home," said Dr. Jayasekara. Dr. Jayasekara emphasized that special attention should be paid to the surroundings of office premises as well, once operations resume at work places. According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, during the course of this year, 18,000 dengue patients have been reported in the island with no deaths.