The schools that have been closed include two national schools – a girls school and Maha Vidyalaya in the Tangalle district. Two dengue patients have already died and three are undergoing treatment, sources said. Before the situation gets worse the Southern Provincial Council (SPC) decided to close the schools and carry out a thorough cleaning campaign of the environment –especially in Tangalle,

Meanwhile, Chief Epidemiologist, Paba Palihawadana said that a team from her Unit are already in Tangalle. Blood specimens have been taken to be tested at the Medical Research Institute. Some had tested positive. The affected areas and the surrounding areas are being fogged and breeding grounds of the dengue mosquito are being cleared.

"However, it is a collective effort in which every one needs to participate," she said. There should also be a general awareness about symptoms. A patient suffering from fever for over three days should seek medical attention. The patient should also watch out for abdominal pain. Bleeding from nose and gums would start much later", Dr. Palihawadana said.