NDCU to implement dengue eradication program amidst spike in cases

COLOMBO (News1st) : A special dengue eradication program will be implemented in six districts next week, the health ministry said, with cases expected to spike due to rainy conditions in the coming weeks. The program will take place in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Ratnapura and Kandy, National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) Director Dr. Aruna Jayasekara said. At least 20 people have died while nearly 20,000 have been affected by dengue this year, according to the NDCU. In May, 818 patients had been reported out of which 150 cases were from the Kandy district - the highest among other districts in the country. Health authorities have warned that dengue cases may rise during the South West monsoon which brings rains between May and September.