Dengue on the rise

Irangika Range

COLOMBO: Dengue has arisen again in the country recording 32 deaths and 7,270 infected cases up to mid September.

This is a considerable ascent when compared to last year, said Dr. Luxmi De Silva, National Cordinator of the Dengue Control Unit of the Health Ministry. She said there were 27 deaths and 5,936 infected cases last year. Numbers would increase next November and December, if this trend is not controlled.

She said that the high risk area is Western Province including Colombo, Kalutara and Gampaha recording 60 per cent of patients. She said 49 patients with seven deaths have been recorded in Colombo while 1274 carriers and seven deaths have been recorded in Gampaha. Kalutara and Kandy recorded 663 and 639 carriers.

Among the other areas are Ratnapura, Matara, Galle, Kegalle, Puttalam, Kurunegala and Trincomalee.

She said it has revealed most man made breeding sides are in surberban areas compared to the rural areas due to high population and utilisation of non-biodegradable items. The dengue mosquitos breed in tyres and small containers.

There is no proper disposal system in these areas and it would increase mosquito breeding. The campaign would control mosquito breeding with public assistance.

The campaign will target householders, schoolchildren, pubic and private employees and tyre traders.

Householders are instructed to clean their houses on Sundays while schoolchildren have been directed to clean their schools on Fridays.

There is a national guildline for treatment which will be implemented by doctors islandwide and the unit takes all possible actions to control the threat.