Health Officials warn of rise in Dengue

COLOMBO (News 1st); The National Dengue Control Unit said that the spread of dengue has increased.

The Chairman of the Government Entomologist Association Najith Sumanasena said that due to the heavy rain in the country the density of dengue larvae has increased, leading to a high number cases from some areas.

The Chairman of the Government Entomologist Association said that the fuel shortage has also hampered dengue control efforts.

Meanwhile, the Government Medical Officers' Association warns that if the spread of dengue is not controlled, it could develop into a serious epidemic.

The association further said in a statement that dengue outbreaks, which occur every five years, would be likely this year, if necessary action is not taken.

The last time such a dengue epidemic was reported was in 2017.

The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) warns that the number of preventable deaths due to dengue will increase this year due to the severe shortage of medicine and the loss of public attention due to the crisis taking place in the country.

The GMOA said that over 25,0000 dengue patients have been reported so far this year, and 40% of them have been reported from the Western Province.