Dengue mostly afflicts those between 15 and 49

Sri Lankans between the ages of 15 and 49 were affected by dengue more than those of other age categories, Dr. Sashini Ranaweera of the National Dengue Control Unit said.

Most of the dengue deaths were reported among the same age group, she said.

“So it’s the country’s workforce that’s most affected by dengue,” she said.

“If the attitude of people does not change, our efforts to contain dengue will be in vain. For example, when we visit people’s houses, check the premises, and give advice, people will adhere to our advice for a few days and then forget them,” she said.

Unless people took action to eradicate dengue breeding sites from their settlements, dengue would keep on raising its ugly head again and again during the rainy season, she said.

Dr. Ranaweera said 73,313 cases of dengue had been reported by 21 November, and out of them 34,713 were from the western province. (RK)