Dengue tally nears 11,000, infections rise in 17 areas
Nearly 11,000 people have been infected with the potentiallyfatal dengue islandwide since January, causing widespread concern among health officials.
Last month 2,962 people were infected. And up to March 3, there have been 187 infections, in addition to the 7,702 people infected in January.
Most have been detected within the Western Province.
Compared with 4,477 infected in January and February of 2021, dengue has become a widespread concern for health officials.
Fifty Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas have been flagged as high-risk. Among these, infections have risen in 17 areas.
Another 15 areas showed a persistently high number of infections.
The MOH areas of Boralesgamuwa, Attanagalla, Divulapitiya, Mirigama, Ambalangoda, Topay, Tellippalai, Nallur, Uduvil, and Mundel were newly identified as high- risk.
“Dengue is endemic in Sri Lanka,” said Dr Shilanthi Seneviratne, Consultant Community Physician of the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU). Of the four types of dengue virus strains, dengue virus type 3 (DENV – 3) is presently the predominant strain in Sri Lanka. Type 2 was the previously dominant strain during the massive outbreak in 2017.’’
Infections are rising because people have not yet developed immunity to the current strain. Patients only develop immunity to the strain they get infected with.
People are being advised to use mosquito repellents, nets, and coils, and to cover themselves fully, to prevent mosquito bites. They are also being asked to ensure sufficient ventilation and light in their rooms and to keep their backyards clean.
Discarded items such as coconut shells and tyres, should be checked for rainwater that collect in them, and water storage tanks and barrels, should be emptied and cleaned.
“Citizens should inspect not just their homes, but also offices, religious institutions and even schools at least once a week,” Dr Seneviratne advised.
People should also be aware that diagnosis of an infection is also a challenge.
“There is a difficulty in identifying whether one has dengue or Covid-19, because they share similar symptoms in the initial stages,” Dr Seneviratne said. Fever, headaches, body aches and pains, nausea are common symptoms.
People are advised to seek medical advice if fever persists for more than 24 hours. It is vital that this is done, to identify whether it is Covid-19 or dengue. Dengue can only be detected through a full blood count test (FBC) and a NS1 antigen test.
Failure to seek medical advice could result in dengue haemorrhagic fever, shock, and even death. Deaths could be prevented.
Patients are also advised to get ample rest and not to resume normal routines or engage in strenuous activities until they are well rested.
While it is challenging to tackle other diseases in the midst of a global pandemic, hospitals have adequate resources. However, if there is no public cooperation, it will be difficult for the health system.
“We haven’t faced any difficulties yet,” said Dr Seneviratne when inquired about the adverse impact of the medicine scarcity.
Routine checks of mosquito breeding sites, entomological surveys to determine breeding sites and awareness programmes have been done by the NDCU along with the Ministry of Health. In addition, review meetings, training programmes for MOH staff are held. Meanwhile, seminars and community engagement events and workshops are taking place this month with the collaboration of the NDCU.
Infections are rising because people have not yet developed immunity to the current strain. Patients only develop immunity to the strain they get infected with.