Sharp rise in dengue patients: NDCU

COLOMBO (News 1st): The rate of Dengue patients reported in Sri Lanka has risen significantly in the past three weeks, the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) said. "Within the past 03-weeks, more than 700 Dengue patients were reported every week adding that the situation is likely to further worsen," Community Physician Specialist Dr. Himali Herath told News 1st on Friday (Jul. 09). Based on data at the Epidemiology Unit, during the course of this year, 9361 Dengue patients have been reported in the country so far, with 34% of the cases reported in the Western Province, Dr. Herath pointed out. According to Dr. Himali Herath, 10 districts in the country have been identified as Dengue High-Risk Zones including the Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts. Moreover, Galle, Matara, Kurunegala, Kandy, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Hambantota are also identified as Dengue High-Risk Zones. "Measures are underway to conduct Dengue Eradication programs across the country," Community Physician Specialist Dr. Himali Herath noted.