Dengue death toll rises to 100

The Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health states that 100 dengue deaths have been reported so far in 2019.

The Epidemiology Unit said that so far this year 88,371 suspected dengue cases were reported to the Unit from all over the island, with the highest number of cases reported in Colombo District.

Approximately 44.8 % of dengue cases were reported from the Western Province. The highest number of dengue patients this year was reported from the Colombo District which is 18,237 while 13,758 dengue patients were reported from the Gampaha District and 7,515 cases were from Kalutara District.

Kandy, Galle and Jaffna Districts also reported over 6,000 dengue cases in each district.

There has been an increase of 36,712‬ dengue patients compared to last year.

Health authorities have expressed alarm over the number of deaths recorded so far this year as only 58 deaths were reported last year.

The Epidemiology Unit says the situation warrants extensive and regular removal of possible mosquito breeding sites from the environment, along with strengthened patient education on management of fever.

Epidemiology Unit has urged the public to keep their gardens, work places and office premises free of mosquitoes while advising the public to seek medical attention in the event of fever and to do relevant laboratory investigations at least by day three of the illness.