COLOMBO, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's health officials said the country was seeing a rise in dengue and COVID-19 cases, and people should be vigilant and get tested for both as the viruses carried similar symptoms, local media reported here Friday.
According to official figures, a total of 9,503 dengue cases had been reported so far this year with 1,801 cases reported in February while 7,702 cases were reported in January.
The daily number of COVID-19 cases had surpassed 1,000 for the 19th consecutive day, showcasing a massive spread of the Omicron variant, health officials said.
The Health Ministry said that fever, headache and body ache had been identified as similar symptoms that could be visible in both diseases, and people should seek medical advice and get tested for both infections.
The ministry requested people not to come to their own conclusions if they develop symptoms.
Sri Lanka has to date recorded 633,051 positive COVID-19 cases since March 2020 and 15,926 deaths from the virus. ■
