Dengue bomb shell:

Around 800 new cases, five deaths a week

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Around 800 new dengue cases are diagnosed weekly while five deaths from dengue are also reported, Dr P.A.S.R. Pieris of the Health Ministry Epidemiology Unit said. During the past six months over 18,500 dengue cases have been reported from Sri Lanka and the number of deaths reported during the same period is 122, he said.

Addressing the first progress review meeting of the Presidential Task Force established to control dengue at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday, Dr. Peiris said during the past six months, Colombo had recorded the highest number of dengue patients (2,500) and 25 deaths.

The number of dengue patients reported from the Jaffna district during the past six months is 2,300 while 16 deaths were recorded, he said.

Dr. Peiris said Hikkaduwa, Badulla, Badalkumbura and Mannar Divisional Secretariat divisions have been identified as newly emerged areas with a high number of dengue cases.

There are several other MOH areas already identified as high risk areas, he said.

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said between 75 to 100 persons die of dengue daily in New Delhi.

The Central Environmental Authority can take legal action against any State institution that does not carry out their duties and clean mosquito breeding sites, he said and commended efforts by all institutions to control dengue.

The Minister pointed out the importance of educating the public and schoolchildren on controlling dengue by keeping the environment clean.