Dengue on the rise; be extra vigilant - Health officials

Dengue cases are abruptly at a high rate after two years in Sri Lanka. 

In view of the rising count of total infections that was recorded after 2019, on the Sri Lanka stepped up its fight against Dengue in a campaign lasting two days – Friday and Saturday. 

Special Dengue prevention days, following a fresh outbreak in recent weeks. 

The Ministry of Health stated that as of  December 30, total number of  Dengue 76,214 cases was recorded across Sri Lanka which is twice as great the number that was reported in 2021. 

Approximately 41.6% of dengue cases were disclosed from the Western Province. 

An average of 200 to 300 was recorded each day in the past few weeks, encouraging  a two-day intensive drive (30th and yesterday, 31st of December, 2023) to control the outbreak. 

 The Ministry of Health advised the public to take some timeout and take necessary steps to look into spots where there is a high probability for mosquitoes to breed in and around their dwellings and wipe them out. 

The community was further instructed that the exact attention should be given to work environments and public places. 

Schools across the island were put in to check their premises and eradicate breeding spots before the new school term commences on the 2nd of January 2023. 

 The Ministry also said  that it is very essential to be after medical attention on the chance of fever and to go ahead with relevant laboratory examinations at the minimum of day three of the illness. 

Dengue holds a periodic transmission in Sri Lanka that coincides with the rainy season, with two peaks occurring with the monsoon rains in July-July and in October-December respectively. 

At present, almost all districts across the country have uncovered cases. Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts in the Western Province have produced the highest rate particularly every year. 

In the absence of an effective vaccine that protects humans from Dengue, putting an end to the probability of continuous breeding of mosquitoes is the most effective way to prevent Dengue infections. Environmental management approaches involve eliminating the container habitats in which Aedes aegypti lay their eggs. 

Chemical control involves the use of insecticides to wipe out immature or adult mosquitoes. 

New chemical, biological and genetic approaches are also being developed and may provide promising alternatives to control mosquito population and prevent dengue infections. Above all, as general public, it is also in our hands to be extra vigilant by doing our part and put a stop to the cycle.