Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Colombo (Agenzia Fides) – Health officials in Sri Lanka are reporting a significant drop in the number of reported dengue cases. According to the team of officials, 58 cases of the mosquito-borne disease occurred during the second week of September, down from nearly 600 cases a week earlier. There were no reported deaths. By comparison, 4,103 cases and 21 deaths occurred in August. Most cases occur between April and August when light rains are frequent, allowing mosquito breeding areas to multiply. To date this year, close to 30,000 cases and 213 deaths of the disease have been reported, against 35,008 cases and 346 deaths in total for 2009. According to the World Health Organization, there is no effective vaccine against dengue available or drug treatment for those who become infected. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 21/09/2010)
