• The month of November alone recorded over 4000 positive dengue cases, health experts fear cases will rise this month
• The Dengue and COVID-19 viruses, show similar symptoms - fever, fatigue, body pain, headache, cough, cold, and nausea

By JAMILA HUSAIN

Sri Lanka's health experts yesterday said that the health sector was gearing up for a double health threat as fears of the Omicron variant entering the country existed while the dengue virus was already causing havoc.  

While the month of November alone recorded over 4000 positive dengue cases, health experts fear cases will rise this month leading to a possible nationwide dengue outbreak.

Further hospitals are also on standby for an increase in COVID-19 patients if the Omicron is found in the population and if this variant is found to cause severe symptoms. 

Studies are yet to however determine what consequences the Omicron variant will cause as several countries including India have already detected cases. "Maybe within the coming two weeks we will have more information on this as more countries have now detected it," a senior doctor told Daily Mirror.

The symptoms for the dengue virus as well as the COVID-19 virus are similar - fever, fatigue, body pain, headache, cough, cold and nausea.

Health experts have advised people to seek medical attention immediately if any of the symptoms exist rather than resorting to self-treatment. 

Further, since the country has re-opened with people reporting to work, doctors have advised people to self isolate immediately if they suffer from any of the symptoms and contact the COVID hotline till a medical officer advises them on what to do.   

Doctors said that it was possible that along with a PCR test, patients would be recommended to take a dengue test as well.  Doctors have further urged people to strictly follow all health guidelines such as wear tight-fitting masks, maintain a physical distance of at least one metre, open windows for ventilation, avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces, keep hands clean, cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue and get vaccinated, especially ahead to avoid a possible outbreak during the upcoming festive season.