Director of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo, Dr. G. Wijesuriya, has voiced alarm over the recent surge in dengue cases among children. Currently, the hospital is treating 35 children with dengue, including seven with hemophilia. Additionally, there are three to four new dengue patients admitted daily.
Dr. Wijesuriya emphasized that dengue remains a significant threat across the country, and there are no signs of its decline. With continued rainy conditions, the virus is likely to persist. He urged the public to remain vigilant and pay attention to their surroundings, especially around schools, offices, and residential areas.
The Health Entomology Officers’ Association has issued a warning that Sri Lanka may witness its highest number of dengue cases in history if the virus is not effectively controlled. Nijith Sumanasena, the association’s chairman, highlighted that there has been no decrease in reported dengue cases. Furthermore, approximately 2% of housing units in Sri Lanka have been identified as breeding sites for dengue mosquitoes.
In 2017, Sri Lanka recorded the highest number of dengue cases, with 186,101 patients and 440 deaths reported. In the first half of 2023 alone, the country has already witnessed 43,346 dengue cases, a number that is expected to rise due to ongoing inclement weather conditions.
