5249 dengue cases so far this year

Colombo (News 1st): The National Dengue Control Unit said, 5249 Dengue patients have been reported during the past 24 days. Compared to the corresponding period last year, there is a marginal decline in the number of dengue patients. However, Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr Anura Jayasekara said, a majority of the dengue cases are of patients who fall within the second and third groups. Meanwhile, an awareness program took place in Mattakkuliya this morning, to inform the public about the natural bacteria named ''Wolbachia'' which reduces the mosquitoes' ability to transmit viruses like dengue. Chief Medical Officer of Health at CMC Dr Ruwan Wijayamuni noted;

"Australia's University of Monash has discovered a new technology that uses the dengue mosquito itself to curb the spread of dengue. The ''Wolbachia'' technology will not deliver instant results. We can only expect results after a minimum of 2 years. This will, in no way affect the ongoing dengue eradication program in the country."