20% of dengue patients are school children

COLOMBO (News 1st); The National Dengue Control Unit said 20% of dengue patients reported in Sri Lanka are school students.

Director of the Unit Specialist Dr. Nalin Ariyaratne said the population of dengue mosquitoes may increase due to the rain.

He advised the public to clean their surroundings at home, offices and construction sites, to prevent the spread of dengue. 

Dr. Ariyaratne said it was observed that mosquito breeding grounds were common at religious places and schools, and advised to clean such places.

He further said several state hospitals were named for dengue patients to receive treatment, adding that all required facilities are available at these hospitals.

He added that special liquids including saline are in stock at these hospitals.

62,029 dengue patients have been identified in Sri Lanka so far this year. 

A majority of them, 30,271 have been reported from the Western Province.

38 dengue-related deaths have also been reported so far this year.