Dengue on the rise in Trinco

Three deaths attributed to dengue have been reported during the first 45 days of the year in Trincomalee. According to the Trincomalee Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sathiskumar, 34 persons have contracted dengue this year. The three deaths attributed to dengue have caused panic among the people and public health staff in the Trincomalee district.

Preventive measures such as spraying pesticide along roads in town are among the measures taken to stop the spread of this disease. Sanitary employees too have been employed to inspect every house and to collect discarded empty coconut shells, bottles, tyres which are considered breeding grounds for dengue mosquito, public health officials said.There were no deaths due to dengue in the year 2007 although 47 persons contracted the fever. In the year 2006 only 3 out of 36 patients died due to the disease.