Sri Lanka braces for dengue epidemic in the future

COLOMBO (News 1st); Health units warn that there is a risk of a dengue epidemic in the future.

Physician at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said measures should be taken to prevent such a situation.

Dr. Wijewickrama said that generally there is an increase in dengue cases during the months of June and July due to the monsoon rain, adding that there was an unusual rise in dengue cases during March and April this year.

He said clearing mosquito breeding grounds is the most successful measure to prevent the spread of dengue and all parties must work together for this purpose.

Dr. Wijewickrama advised anyone experiencing fever symptoms to rest and to refrain from taking any other medication apart from Paracetamol. 

He added that taking other medications may lead to complications.

Director of the National Dengue Control Unit Dr. Nalin Ariyarathne said there has been an increase in dengue cases reported in nine districts.

Dr. Ariyarathne said there was an increase in dengue cases in the Western Province and the Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Kandy, Galle, Kegalle, and Kurunegala districts.

He said directives have been issued to implement dengue prevention programs in the relevant districts.

The National Dengue Control Unit said a discussion will be held today regarding the dengue prevention program in the Western Province, headed by the Governor of the Western Province.

Measures taken during the Dengue Prevention Week, which was implemented from the 26th of April to the 3rd of May, will be reviewed during the discussion.

33,400 dengue patients have been reported so far in 2023, while 18 people have died due to dengue so far this year.