Dengue cases dip sharply but Colombo remains on top

By Shannon Jayawardena

Dengue cases have decreased sharply since its wild outbreak last year, yet Colombo District remains on top with 2,413 incidents reported in the past four months, according to Ministry of Health’s National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU).

While a total of 7,178 cases were reported in January, the numbers have dipped to 4,388 in February and 3,259 in March. As of April, numbers have drastically dropped to 878.  Accordingly, the NDCU’s figures add up to a total 15,703 dengue cases reported this year.

Out of the 2,413 incidents in Colombo, 667 were reported from the Municipal Council while the remaining 1,746 were noted of other areas within the city. On the other hand Mullaitivu has reported the least number of cases with zero reports seen this month.

Sri Lanka first experienced the epidemic of Dengue Haemorrhagic fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome caused by DEN- 3 sero type in 1989-1990 and since the country has suffered immensely due to the deadly disease.

Statistics of the NDCU also show that last year bore a total of 183,235 cumulative cases while as of now 7,983 cases have been reported, showing an overall decrease of dengue cases in the country.

The NDCU’s mission thereby is to enhance the capacity at the National, Provincial, District and Divisional levels for better planning, prediction, early detection, prompt control, containment of outbreaks as well as epidemics through partnerships and application of coordinated efforts in a sustainable manner. Their goal is to reduce endemicity to such an extent that it is no longer a major public health problem in Sri Lanka. 

Early identification and management of dengue illness can minimise morbidity and mortality hence it very important that patients seek immediate medical attention if any symptoms are observed. Symptoms include cold clammy skin and extremities, restlessness and irritability, skin mottling, decreased or no urine output and behavioural changes such as confusion or use of foul language. 

Likewise the NDCU advises all patients to seek medical advice in the presence of severe vomiting, abdominal pain, drowsiness and excessive sleepiness, refusal to eat or drink and abnormal bleeding manifestations such as heavy menstrual bleeding or menstruation starting earlier than usual, particularly when fever settles.