Dengue cases increase despite eradication efforts

Despite claims of the success of dengue eradication programmes, the first three months of this year recorded a three fold increase of cases compared to last year while 38 deaths have been reported. During the last three months 9317 dengue cases were reported island wide according to the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry, while last year there were 3,103 cases. The highest number of cases in the three months was reported in January with 3892 dengue cases followed by 3004 cases in February and 2421 cases in March. However with the recent showers the number of cases is likely to show an increase.

Over 50 per cent of the cases are reported from the Western Province. The Epidemiology Unit officials further state, that such situation warrants regular removal of possible mosquito breeding sites from the environment and it is also important to seek medical attention in the event of fever by day three of the illness. Within the Colombo Municipality area 649 cases are reported along with five deaths while nine more deaths were reported in other areas of the Colombo District.

Last Thursday a death was reported from Madinnagoda, Rajagiriya where 12year- old Yudaji Sudashna died due to dengue haemorrhagic fever.

Sudashna had been suffering from high fever since March 25 and was admitted to a private hospital on the March 27 as her temperature did not go down.

On March 31 she was transferred to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital since there was a decrease in her packed cell volume in blood and her temperature was high as always, Priyan Mapalana, an uncle of the girl told the Sunday Times.

“On Thursday at 10 a. m. our 12- yearold little girl passed away. Her parents have lost their only adorable child due to dengue,” he said.

Mr. Malapana thanked the team of doctors and nurses at the private hospital where the girl was admitted and the staff of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for their great service rendered in attempts to save the life of their daughter.

“My niece studied at a leading private school in Colombo and was a brilliant student. She was in the school band. She was appreciated by all her teachers and the students in school,” he added.

He sadly said that she was in the ICU from March 27 and seemed to be recovering and eating well.

A large number of students, parents of her classmates and teachers were among those who gathered to pay their last respects.