Dengue on the Rise; Authorities launch programs to prevent dengue spread

COLOMBO (News 1st); The National Dengue Control Unit said a special dengue prevention program will commence from Monday (8), as the number of dengue cases in the country is on the rise. The program will take place across 59 Grama Niladhari Division identified as high-risk zones, until the 13th of November 2021. These areas are located within the Western and Eastern Provinces, where there are rising dengue cases. Authorities hope to obtain the services of the three-armed forces and Sri Lanka Police for this program. 15,409 suspected dengue cases were reported to the Epidemiology Unit from all over the island from January 2021 to-date, said the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health. It added that in 2020, the total number of dengue cases in Sri Lanka was 31,162. It is very important to seek medical attention in the event of fever and to do relevant laboratory investigations at least by day three of the illness, said the Epidemiology Unit.