brand logo

Dengue on the rise islandwide 

19 Jun 2021

  • 8,139 suspected cases so far; spike in Colombo 

  • Special NDCU teams deployed to high-risk areas    

By Yumiko Perera   A total of 8,139 suspected cases of dengue have been reported across the island over the course of this year, and there has been a spike in cases in the Colombo District, The Sunday Morning learnt.  Speaking with The Sunday Morning, National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) Director and specialist Dr. Aruna Jayasekara said that most recently, 305 confirmed dengue cases were reported and that 88 of these were from Colombo. Noting that there seems to be an increase in dengue cases in the Colombo District, Dr. Jayasekara requested the public to remain vigilant and to take necessary precautions that would aid in curbing the spread. Speaking on the dengue mitigation programmes in place and their progress, Dr. Jayasekara added: "We are focusing on raising awareness for the time being, and we have paid special attention to areas where there is a spike in the cases being reported. We are mainly aiming at raising awareness through media campaigns, given the present situation in the country."  Dr. Jayasekara further noted that the identified high-risk Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas are being monitored closely, and that special teams of the NDCU have been deployed to monitor the situation in those areas.  Moreover, according to Dr. Jayasekara, there is a spike in dengue cases being reported in areas that come under the purview of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC).  As per the statistics of the NDCU, as of 16 June, Kurunegala, Maharagama, Dehiwala, Battaramulla, Ratmalana, and Homagama are areas that have been identified as having an increased trend of dengue patients.


More News..