Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Colombo (Agenzia Fides) – In Sri Lanka the third week in August is marked as National Week for the Prevention of Dengue. During the monsoon season registered cases of Dengue rocketed: on 20 July the total was 21,486 cases, of which 158 were lethal. The Epidemiology Unit of the local Health Ministry expects the number of cases to increase in the coming weeks due to continual rain. Dengue fever is spreading throughout Sri Lanka at an alarming rate, the government is taking measures to eliminate the reproduction of the vector mosquito. Surveys in the province show that due to poor hygiene more than 50% of homes are suitable for the mosquito's reproduction. According to the local Health Ministry, this year the number of cases registered is equal to the 22,256 cases reported in the month of July 2009. The Government reported 2,669 cases in July, compared with 3,310 in June and 1,910 in May. (AP) (23/7/2010 Agenzia Fides)
