Dengue Cases Top 53,000 As Authorities Step Up Mosquito Control Measures

COLOMBO (News 1st): The number of dengue patients has increased to 53,159 so far this year.The National Dengue Control Unit stated that 19,318 dengue cases have been reported since the 1st of this month alone.The total number of recorded dengue deaths stands at 31.The National Dengue Control Unit announced that a new circular will be issued by tomorrow, directing that mosquito control programs be carried out continuously.According to this circular, mosquito control activities will be conducted at the village level through "Community Strength Committees," under the guidance of Grama Niladharis, Medical Officers of Health (MOH), and Public Health Inspectors (PHI).The National Dengue Control Unit further noted that the current increase in dengue patients may continue to be reported for about another two weeks.Community Medicine Specialist Dr. Prashila Samaraweera emphasized that due to the current dengue risk, environmental cleaning activities must be carried out continuously.