Dengue epidemic growing unexpectedly

The dengue epidemic is currently growing in an unexpected manner, according to the Public Health Inspectors' Association of Sri Lanka. The association's Acting President Upul Rohana noted that this situation is reported very seriously in government institutions and religious places.

Against this backdrop, a new circular regarding the prevention and control of dengue disease was issued, declaring a three-day special dengue eradication operation from yesterday (24) until the 26th. According to data from the National Dengue Control Unit, the number of fatalities due to dengue currently stands at 29.

The number of dengue patients reported so far this year also increased to 48,287. Out of this, 52% were reported from the Western Province, which amounts to 25,167 cases.

Health sectors mentioned that hospital capacity exceeded due to the large number of dengue patients reported day by day. The National Dengue Control Unit stated that the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital and the IDH Hospital reached their maximum capacity of dengue patients.

Meanwhile, calling a press conference in Colombo, National Dengue Control Unit Acting Director Dr Kapila Kannangara stated that Chikungunya disease also emerged alongside dengue.