By Lalith Chaminda and S.K. Kaluarachchi Director of Karapitiya National Hospital, Specialist Dr. S.D.U.M. Ranga, has revealed that approximately 74 members of the hospital staff have contracted dengue fever over the past month.He said that doctors, nurses, and junior staff members who fell ill with dengue were treated at the hospital itself.
He noted that the infections were likely contracted within the hospital premises. In response, the Galle Municipal Council, the Galle Medical Officer of Health, and the hospital staff have collaborated to implement dengue eradication programmes within the hospital.
While no very recent cases had been reported among staff, the director explained that the onset of the rainy season has exacerbated the spread of the disease, making it difficult to control.
Dr Venura K. Singarachchi, the Regional Epidemiologist for the Galle District, reported that 162 suspected dengue cases have been recorded in the district over the past three weeks. Compared to the same period last year, there has been a notable rise in the number of cases.
He also confirmed that 26 suspected dengue cases have been reported from the Galle Medical Officer of Health area, 20 from the Bope-Poddala MOH area, and 17 from the Akmeemana MOH area during the past three weeks.
He added that the rainy season has significantly increased the spread of dengue and announced that special eradication programmes are planned for the coming week in these MOH divisions.
