According to Dr. Asela Gunawardena, director general of health services, a third category of dengue virus is now spreading for the first time in 14 years, and because of the impending monsoon rains, the number of patients may increase significantly.
There have been 27,814 dengue cases recorded island-wide since January, of which 17,728 were reported in April. Compared to April last year, this is an increase of 63%.
The director general made a special request from the public to take action to eradicate potential mosquito breeding grounds and take precautions against the spread of the dengue virus. He added that the highest number of dengue patients was reported in 2017 and to prevent such a situation from happening again the public needs to be diligent.
The most prevalent places where dengue mosquito breeding habitats may be formed include schools, government buildings, houses of worship, unfinished constructions, and factories.
The Director General also said that since the highest number of dengue cases are reported from the Western Province, a dengue prevention week will be implemented from next week onwards.
