Dengue spikes due to dry weather

by Carol Aloysius

The number of dengue cases has soared to unprecedented levels due to the prevailing dry weather leading to a sharp rise in mosquito breeding sites, with the Epidemiology Unit reporting 1,504 suspected cases in the past fortnight.

Dengue Control Unit Dr Hasitha Tissera told the Sunday Observer that the first Anti Mosquito Campaign was scheduled from January 22-24. "We hope the public will co-operate with us this year as they did last year when we eliminated over 20,000 breeding sites and inspected over a million premises, he said. The co-operation of the public in keeping their premises free of mosquitoes would significantly reduce the mosquito menace.

The Chief Medical Officer of the Dehiwala, Mt Lavinia and Ratmalana MOH division Dr Indika Ellawala told the Sunday Observer that the number of suspected dengue cases in the area had risen significantly this year, with 120 cases being reported from January 1.