Sept 11, Colombo: According to the National Dengue Control Unit, over 900 dengue cases have been reported in the last 10 days of September.

According to the Government Information Department, as of Monday (Sept 11) 960 dengue cases have been reported in the month of September adding up to a total of 62,838 cases in the year so far, while 38 cases have been fatal.

The Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Nalin Ariyaratne said that although there has been a significant decrease in the number of dengue cases, with the current rainy conditions, an increase in the mosquito population can be expected.

The highest number of cases nearing 10,000 have been reported in May and 5,189 cases have been reported last month.

Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, Dr. Ariyaratne said most of the cases are reported from the Western Province.

"Last month, we had about 5,000 patients and in 10 days of this month, almost 900 patients were reported. Nearly 50% of the total number of patients are observed especially in the Western Province. However, we observe a significant decrease in patients according to the data of the last month and this month, when compared to the previous period.”

“Daily patients have come from a high level to a low level, up to a situation where 100 to 125 patients are reported daily.”

However, Dr. Ariyaratne cautioned that there is a risk of dengue cases increasing as the mosquito population may also increase with the prevailing rain in some parts of the island.