News
Weekly dengue infections drop, but risks high in some areas
Over 9,000 dengue infections have been reported across the country so far this year as of February 17. Most infections, or 51%, are in the Western Province.
In January, there were 7,702 infected people, while there are 1,801 infections so far this month. 
“There is a drop in the amount of dengue cases being reported in comparison to January,” said Dr Shilanthi Seneviratne, consultant community physician of the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU). However, she said precautions must be followed to ensure that dengue is kept at bay.
There were 634 infections from February 7 to13, a 31.5 percent drop from the 925 reported the previous week.
Sixty Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas have been flagged as high-risk. Infections have been rising in five of the areas in comparison with the previous week. Twenty five MOH areas showed persistently high infections.
Infections have dropped in the MOH areas of Meerigama, Ragama and Gangawatakorale.
Kaduwela, Negombo Municipal Council area, Kalutara National Institute of Health Services (NIHS), Wadduwa, Chavakachcheri, Karaveddy, Trincomalee, Arachchikattuwa, Chilaw, Badulla, Elapatha and Rathnapura MOH areas have been newly identified as high risk.
The NDCU said district review meetings have been held along with training for MOH staff. Mosquito control programmes are continuing to raise awareness among the people. Entomological surveys are being done to find mosquito breeding sites. House-to-house checks will continue.
“Public cooperation is important to stop the spread of dengue,” Dr Seneviratne emphasised. She urged people to check not just the houses but offices, schools and religious institutions at least once a week and destroy mosquito breeding sites. 
People showing symptoms are being asked to act quickly. Covid-19, dengue and a viral flu are spreading and medical advice should be sought. “If you have fever for more than a day, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.”
When asked as to whether hospitals are overcrowded, Dr Seneviratne said, hospitals have facilities to treat patients.
Fumigation at the Maligawatte Flats Pix by Lahiru Harshana
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