Director, Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology Unit, University of Sri Jayewardenepura Dr. Chandima Jeevandara yesterday said that a research conducted by the university has confirmed that Dengue type 3 serotype is spreading in the country.
He said that the number of dengue patients reported from the country witnessed a sharp increase in 2017 with the change of dengue variant spreading in the county as patients have not developed immunity to face the new dengue type.
Dr. Jeevandara said that almost all samples tested at laboratories were found to be Dengue 3 serotype.
“Over 5,000 schoolchildren across the country were tested to ascertain their level of antibody against Dengue and 24 per cent of children had developed antibodies against the disease. However, over 50 per cent of children in the Trincomalee District have developed the antibody against the virus.
He warned that there is a possibility of an increase in the number of dengue positive cases due to the spread of a dengue variant with the onset of the rainy season.
Health authorities yesterday said that over 30,000 dengue patients have been reported in the country since January 2023.