National Dengue Control Unit issues warning

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Around 900 cases of dengue have been reported in the first 10 days of September, National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) Director Dr. Nalin Ariyaratne said.

Dr. Ariyaratne warned that the current rainy weather was likely to lead to an increase in the dengue-mosquito population unless steps were taken to reduce potential breeding sites.

Earlier, dengue experts warned that the current statistical trends indicated that the number of  dengue patients this year could be as high as in 2017 when 186,101 local cases were reported.

Dr. Ariyaratne said there was a plateauing of cases during the past few months due to dry weather. The number of reported dengue cases in August was 5,189, the lowest figure reported in a month in 2023.