January extremely critical, health experts warn

• Health Ministry to declare special Dengue prevention campaign
• A special prevention campaign will be conducted in 70 high-risk MOH areas 

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

With the Dengue cases soaring at alarming numbers, the health authorities warn of January being critical in terms of the country heading towards an epidemic or hyperendemic situation.   
Addressing the media, Dr Sudath Samaraweera, the Director of the National Dengue Control Unit said given the gravity of the situation, the Health Ministry has decided to declare a special Dengue prevention campaign. 
 
Accordingly, the week will start from January 07 to 13 where cleaning campaigns as well as dengue prevention and awareness campaigns will be carried out islandwide.  

 Accordingly, the week will start from January 07 to 13 where cleaning campaigns as well as dengue prevention and awareness campaigns will be carried out islandwide.  The decision has been taken in light of the considerable surge in Dengue cases.  

“The special prevention campaign will be conducted in 70 high-risk MOH areas where dengue breeding places have been found in abundance,” Dr Samaraweera highlighted.   
“The campaign will be carried out in collaboration with the personnel from the tri forces and police and health officials and voluntary organizations,” he added.  

The Director invited people to render their fullest cooperation in making the campaign a success.   

According to the Epidemiology Unit, a total of 88,398 cases were logged in 2023, with the highest number being from the Colombo District, which stood at 18, 650.  The tally of Dengue cases registered in December stood at 11,498, recording the highest number of cases reported in a month in 2023.  

Meanwhile, a total of 58 individuals died of Dengue last year.