THREE strains of Dengue virus spreading across Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st): The second and third strains of the Dengue virus are rapidly spreading across the island at present, the National Dengue Control Unit said. This was revealed following joint scientific investigations conducted by the National Dengue Control Unit, the Medical Research Institute, and the Dengue Research Institute at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. According to the investigation, it has been revealed that the first strain of the Dengue virus is also spreading again in the country after a lapse of several years, Specialist Dr. Himali Herath, a Community Physician at the National Dengue Control Unit told News 1st on Friday (Jul. 30). An increase in the rate of Dengue patients is expected in the coming days, the National Dengue Control Unit warned. "People must pay special attention in this regard and take the necessary precautions since three strains of the Dengue virus are spreading in the country at the same time," Specialist Dr. Himali Herath stressed. According to Dr. Himali Herath, during the course of this year, 16,497 Dengue patients have been reported in the country so far, with a majority of close to 70% of the cases being recorded from the Western Province. Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kurunegala, Kandy, Matara, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Galle, and Hambantota have been identified as the Dengue High-Risk Zones, Dr. Herath noted. The Ministry of Health noted 3029 Dengue patients were reported across the country, during the month of July alone. This is a clear increase compared to July last year, Community Physician at the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Himali Herath noted.