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Seasonal rains could add to 171,453 dengue cases
Public health officials are asking for vigilance to minimise the risk of a further rise in dengue infections as a result of seasonal rains.
As of November 22, data from the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health show there were 171,453 dengue cases island-wide.
The national Dengue Control Unit, consultant community physician, Dr Preshila Samaraweera, predicts a rise in dengue cases in the Western, North Western and the Northern provinces.
Dr Samaraweera added that as of this week, 400 dengue-related deaths have been reported.
“We are witnessing a decline in public participation and we need the fullest corporation in clean-up programmes,’’ she said.
A Puttalam District health official said the last week of October was the onset of the peak period.
“The intermittent rains can have an effect on the number of dengue cases, she said.
A Kalutara District health official said 7,273 cases were reported until the second week of November, out of which 315 cases were reported in October.
He said that although there has been a drop in the number of cases from Panadura, Dodangoda, Wadduwa, Matugama, Horana, and Bandaragama, more cases are being reported in general.
He pointed out that hospitals have been alerted. A rise in dengue cases is expected during the rainy period.
“The mentality of the public changes the moment dengue cases decline, which should not be the case. Their support should be consistent to curb dengue,’’ he said.
The regional director of health services of Jaffna, Dr K Nanthakumaran, said that as at November 23, 397 dengue cases have been reported this month and around 20 dengue notifications are received every day.
“We are very vigilant from October to February because due to the rainy season the dengue cases being reported are usually high,’’ he said.
He pointed out that Jaffna, Sandilipay, Chavakachcheri, Uduvil and Tellippallai Medical Officers’ of Health are considered high risk areas.
Dr Nanthakumaran said clean up programmes are continuing together with the malaria eradication campaign.
The acting regional director of health services of Kurunegala, Dr Gamini Wimalaratne said that as of November 23, 545 cases have been reported this month.
He said there has been a downward trend in the number of dengue cases reported.
“During September and October there was a massive outbreak in Kurunegala. During the same time, a school had been badly affected due to dengue, where 45 students,15 teachers including one death was reported,’’ he said. “There have been intermittent rains in the area as a result of which we are vigilant, because the numbers can always increase,’’ he said.