As the country currently deals with COVID-19, experts have warned of a possible increase in the number of dengue cases following the heavy rain experienced over the past few days, which could place additional pressure on the already strained healthcare system.
Health authorities have urged the public to support dengue eradication efforts by cleaning up their domestic environments.
During the last year, a total of 105,049 dengue cases have been reported while 19,446 infections were detected within the past four and half months this year.
The death toll due to dengue stood at 157 last year and 20 deaths have been reported so far this year.
Most of these dengue cases are found from Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale and Kandy districts.
Health authorities have warned that a spike in dengue cases can be expected with the heavy rain experienced during the past few days.
Director General of Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe stated that both COVID-19 and dengue depend on human behaviour. As fever is common in both diseases, it can also be an obstacle for healthcare sector, he said adding that it is imperative that people stay vigilant of this matter.
