Dengue alert in and around Colombo

The Ministry of Health issued dengue alerts yesterday concerning the Dehiwala, Kohuwala, Kaduwela, Kolonnawa, Angoda, Moratuwa and Katubedde Medical Health Officer (MHO) Divisions.

A statement by the ministry said that dengue in those areas had reached epidemic levels and advised the public to take precautions. It also requested the public to look out for dengue mosquito breeding grounds in public places, schools, state institutions and elsewhere.

According to the ministry, a majority of the dengue victims in the above areas are schoolchildren and the elderly.

The ministry said that anyone suffering from fever for more than two days should avoid all over-the-counter medicines excepting paracetamol.

The ministry said there was an increase in cases of dengue in the Colombo District and attributed this rise to mosquito breeding grounds found in areas where new buildings are coming up.