Seventy eight deaths were reported from all parts of the country due to dengue and 50,519 dengue cases were reported last year, Epidemiology Unit sources said.
According to the sources, the highest number of dengue patients, 15,421, was reported from the Colombo district. Gampaha district recorded the second highest, 6263.. The Kandy district recorded the third highest, 3901.
The Health Ministry implemented a two-day intensive dengue control programme in schools on December 27 and 28. Schools inspected and fogging was done to destroy mosquito density before the new school term. Special attention paid for the schools in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, and Kalmunai.
Prompt medical treatment should seek from a state hospital or from a qualified doctor if anyone suffer from fever more than two days.
No drug other than Paracetamol should be taken, the health Ministry sources added.