13 December 2021 05:30 pm Views - 1993
The Health authorities have urged the general public to be cautious and alert ahead of the festive season as Sri Lanka is entangled in a twin burden of dengue and COVID-19.
Chief Medical Officer of CMC Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni told a news held at the Health Promotion Bureau that there was a sharp spike in dengue cases this year compared to last year.
"2020 was the year when the least number of dengue cases were reported during the last decade. The number of cases reported in this year especially in November, is alarming," he underlined.
He said the dengue cases are expected to further swell until January next year.
"Though there is a dip in COVID cases at present in Colombo and other parts of the island, there is always possibility of cases surging ahead of the festive season. If both epidemics strike simultaneously, the situation would definitely be dreadful,"
Thus, people should make sure that they follow health rules and take precautionary measure to mitigate the epidemic.
Meanwhile, Dr Wijayamuni said it is only around 10 COVID-19 patients being detected in the Colombo municipality per day while the number of deaths also remains at a satisfactory level.
At present, around 740 COVID cases are reported daily with 20 deaths while nearly 1,500 dengue cases have been so far reported in December alone.
A total of 4,561 dengue cases which is the highest in 18 months were reported in the month of November. (Sheain Fernandopulle)