Dengue still not abating

Although the number of H1N1 cases reported this month had reduced in comparison to the cases in March, dengue deaths have increased to 65 from 50 at the end of last month and 34,059 cases have been reported islandwide, a Health official said.

Dengue Control Unit, Consultant Community Physician, Dr. Prechila Samaraweera said in comparison the number of deaths reported for the whole of last year was 90.

She said, although the number of cases reported this month is less than in March, the numbers may rise with the onset of monsoon rains due next month.

Dr. Samaraweera said in view of the school term beginning next week after the National New Year holidays, the Education Dept. had issued circulars to 26 schools instructing them to clean their premises. She added that Health Ministry officials will be inspecting these schools.

She said in addition to this school programmes other awareness and inspection programmes would be conducted with special emphasis on state institutions and construction sites.