Medical Officer of the National Dengue Control Unit Dr. Lahiru Kodithuwakku says there are signs of dengue becoming an epidemic in the country.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau Dr. Kodithuwakku said all four categories of the dengue virus have been identified in Sri Lanka at present.
He noted it was identified through a research conducted by the National Dengue Control Unit together with the Centre for Dengue Research at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and the Medical Research Institute, based on samples obtained since January this year.
He added the second and third categories were found to be the most common categories.
Dr. Kodithuwakku said changes in dengue virus categories may lead to an epidemic and therefore the public must give special attention to keeping their environment clean.
Dr. Lahiru Kodithuwakku requested the public to keep their surroundings clean to avoid creating mosquito breeding grounds.
He said due to the inclement weather conditions there may be practical challenges in cleaning surroundings, adding however that cleaning one’s surroundings and closing places where water collects regularly must be made a priority, to prevent the spread of dengue.
