New dengue virus strain driving surge in cases: PM

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya says the recent surge in dengue cases is being driven by the emergence of a new dengue virus strain. Speaking during an event in Wadduwa on Friday (26), the Prime Minister said authorities had launched a nationwide dengue control campaign, adding that there are now signs of a gradual decline in infections. “Although transmission increased with the new virus strain, we carried out a major operation. We are now seeing some reduction,” she said. Amarasuriya said the Colombo District remains the worst affected, with Maharagama and Colombo suburban areas recording a high number of cases. She noted that mosquito breeding sites are being identified mainly in public places, including schools, office premises, vacant lands and abandoned construction sites, rather than in residential properties. (Newswire)