Regional committees to be appointed for dengue control

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The National Dengue Control Unit says that steps have been taken to establish regional committees for dengue control.

Its director, Specialist Dr. Nalin Ariyaratne says that the Grama Niladhari officers will carry out the necessary steps.

He adds that so far this year, 24 deaths of dengue patients have been reported.

The Director says that during the past few months, almost 37,000 dengue cases were reported from Sri Lanka.

Deputy Director of Health Services, Dr. G. Wijesuriya says that currently, there is a rapid rise in the number of dengue patients in many MOH divisions of 16 districts.

He says that currently 32 children affected by dengue are being treated at Lady Ridgeway Children's Hospital and 10 of them have dengue hemorrhage.

He says that there is a risk of contracting dengue if one lives in the same area or house as another dengue patient.

Meanwhile, Commissioner General of Examinations Amit Jayasundara informs that every candidate appearing for the GCE Ordinary Level Examination should wear clothes that properly cover the body to protect themselves from dengue.

He says that the National Dengue Control Unit informed him to advise the students in this regard.