The National Institute of Infectious Diseases (IDH) has been filled with dengue patients, it was reported.

Although only one ward was previously reserved for dengue patients, the hospital authorities have reserved three more wards for them due to the increase in the number of patients.

Currently, 66 dengue patients are being treated at the IDH and it was reported that at least 12 patients out of those who visit the outpatient department daily are dengue patients.A similar situation was reported from other hospitals across the country and so far around 30,000 dengue patients have been reported in nine districts.

The Ministry of Health has proposed to the government to designate Friday as the day for cleaning the premises of all government and private sector institutions in order to combat the spread of dengue.

Accordingly, the cleaning activities of government institutions, private institutions, schools, religious places and public places are scheduled to be done on Friday morning.

As of yesterday (16), the number of dengue deaths reported this year has increased to 22, National Dengue Control Unit Director Dr. Nalin Ariyaratne said.