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Dengue keeps spreading
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Despite claims of the success of dengue eradication programmes, experts warn the virus could reach epidemic proportions in forthcoming months.
So far this year 34,773 suspected dengue cases have been reported with more than 50 deaths, according to the Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit.
Just over half the cases have been reported from the Western Province.
The highest number of dengue patients, 11,214, has been reported from the Colombo district with 2,390 coming from the Colombo Municipal Council area. The Gampaha district had the next highest number of cases, at 4,071.
“This rise in cases is mainly due to man-made breeding spots like containers, unattended land and poor garbage disposal,” CMC Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni said.
Low-income settlements especially in Borella, Dematagoda, Grandpass, Hulftsdorp, Kotahena, Mattakuliya, Narahenpita, Pamankada and Slave Island were attracting dengue mosquitoes, he said.