Dengue cases on the rise

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Director of the National Dengue Control Unit Dr. Sudath Samaraweera says the number of dengue cases in the country has increased significantly over the past few months.

Speaking during a media briefing at the Department of Government Information today, Dr. Samaraweera said the dengue virus turned into a pandemic every two-three years within the past decade.

He said the most severe situation arose in 2017 where over 180,000 patients were reported after which there was a reduction in 2018 and a further escalation in 2019.

He said a drop in the number of dengue infections was observed in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Samaraweera said a large number of infections were reported at the beginning of 2021 from the Batticaloa District.

He said 4,561 dengue infections were reported in November adding 8,740 infections have been reported in December thus far.

He noted it was clear that infections have doubled in the country compared to November.