By Sheain Fernandopulle

With the number of COVID-19 and Dengue cases soaring simultaneously, the Health authorities have urged people to be vigilant as both diseases show similar symptoms.

LRH Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera told the media that fever, headache, body ache had been identified as similar symptoms that could be visible in both diseases. “Thus, we request people to seek medical care no sooner they are diagnosed with such symptoms without coming to their own conclusions,” he stressed.

Besides, with the focus currently on COVID-19 and symptoms of dengue being similar, there is also a concern over missing cases and misdiagnosis as well.

Meanwhile, Dr. Shilanthi Seneviratne from the Dengue Control Unit told Daily Mirror that though there is no alarming spread of the disease at present, the number of cases is on the rise. “However, the public is asked to be vigilant of all types of mosquito breeding sites and should take steps to destroy them on a regular basis in order to keep dengue at bay,” she added.  A total of 9,503 dengue cases have been reported so far this year with 1,801 cases being reported in the month of February while 7,702 cases in the month of January. 
The daily number of COVID cases has surpassed 1,000 for the eighteenth consecutive day, showcasing the massive spread of the Omicron variant.