Dengue: downward trend shown, outbreak not ruled out

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Nearly 16,200 dengue cases and around 80 deaths have been reported from all parts of the country. A decrease is noted in dengue cases but an outbreak can occur in the pockets where dengue mosquitoes breed, National Dengue Control Programme Director Dr Ranjith Batuwanthudawa said.

Dr Batuwanthudawa said although there is a decrease in dengue cases, there are pockets in certain districts where dengue mosquitoes breed freely. "Some of those pockets are in Ratnapura, Kegalle and Puttalam districts," he said.

"Therefore, a dengue outbreak can be reported once again from such pockets at any time. The public should continue to be vigilant on dengue mosquito breeding sites in their property and environment.

"The public should continue to clean mosquito breeding sites. Special attention should be paid to mosquito breeding sites in gutters, certain plants etc," Dr Batuwanthudawa said.