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| Monday, 12 July 2004 |
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by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi The spread of dengue has seen a sharp increase during this year with the total number of suspected cases rising to 7896 by yesterday while the number of deaths due to dengue fever rose to 52. Health authorities said Gampaha and Colombo districts were the worst affected while Kurunegala, Kandy, Trincomalee and Kalutara also recorded a high prevalence of dengue. "The majority of deaths were reported from Colombo." an Epidemiology Unit official told the Daily News. Health authorities earlier warned that the dengue epidemic could reach its peak during this month owing to the poor response from the public towards environment cleaning and the dengue eradication program. Authorities urged the public to clear dengue mosquito getting rid of cans, tins, coconut shells, old tyres, small containers and roof gutters where rainwater gets collected. "The elimination of mosquito breeding places is the key to an effective and sustainable preventive strategy," officials said. They advise the public to seek early medical check ups and receive treatment if dengue fever is suspected. "If high fever prevails for more than three days or any symptoms of dengue detected, they should go to hospital," an official added. Amongst the symptoms of dengue haemorrhagic fever are external bleeding (from mouth, nose and ears), vomiting with blood, dark stools and red patches on the skin. The Ministry in collaboration with the Municipal Council is carrying out an inspection program in the city with the participation of every institution amidst reports that Government departments and institutions had become the main mosquito breeding centres through environmental neglect. The Ministry has also installed a hotline and the public could make complaints on 2675449. |
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