RATE OF DENGUE at an upheaval in the Western province

Health Ministry reports show a 30% growth in the spread of Dengue in the Western Province within the past few months.

Colombo Municipality Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pradeep Kariyawasam reported that about 360 patients have been admitted to hospitals after being diagnosed with dengue. Government dengue update reports state that approximately 51.53% of dengue cases have been reported from the Western Province and that the highest number of dengue cases were reported during the third week of January.

It also seems that the younger population is more vulnerable or more exposed to the disease considering the statistics. Dr. Kariyawasam stated that 45% of the patients are school children while 70% of these patients are below the age of 20. He also pointed out that out of the four deaths that have been reported, three were school students while the other patient was aged 22.

A report from Asia Pacific points out that the main reason for the increase in dengue in the Western Province is the increase of construction sites. Thereby, construction workers and people who live in close proximity to these areas are the most exposed to the disease. Dr. Kariyawasam pointed out that many soldiers and thousands of construction workers in the Western Province have also been diagnosed with the disease.

The Police official in charge of Sri Lanka’s Western Province, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Anura Senanayake has reported to the media saying that operations to arrest and punish the people who contribute to dengue mosquito breeding will begin on June 08 from the Western Province.

A ministry spokesperson also stated to the media that the Health Ministry officials will inspect all construction sites with the assistance of the Environmental Police Unit, MOHs and PHIs in order to identify places which contribute to the breeding of the mosquito and take steps to evacuate them.