Rise in dengue cases
Nadira Gunatilleke
An alarming increase in Dengue fever has been reported from Sri Lanka
during the past three months.
Latest statistics released by the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry
show a 19 percent increase of the disease during the last three months.
A total of 3,308 dengue cases were reported during the last nine weeks
and the number of deaths reported is 40.
According to latest statistics released by the Epidemiology Unit of
the Ministry only 728 dengue cases had been reported in January last
year . It had increased up to 1,249 in January this year.
In 2008 there were 6,560 dengue cases and 27 deaths. The number of
dengue cases reported in 2006 was 7,327 and the number of deaths 28.
A drastic increase has been reported from several other countries in
the region.
The ministry has allocated Rs.50 million for dengue control this year
and the amount of funds allocated for this last year was Rs.22 million.
According to the Deputy Director General, Health Services, (Public
Health Services),Dr.Palitha Maheepala, the highest number of dengue
cases and deaths were reported in 2004. |