Dengue risk rises as mosquito density increases

21 October 2025 04:08 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 5 Bookmark

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By Poojathmi Rivithma

Colombo, Oct. 21 (Daily Mirror) - The density of mosquitoes has increased across Sri Lanka due to the prevailing rainy weather conditions, Consultant Community Physician Dr. Preshila Samaraweera said.

As of yesterday (20), a total of 40,538 dengue cases have been reported this year. Of these, 44.3% are from the Western Province and 13.9% from the Sabaragamuwa Province, according to official data.

While no significant spike in dengue cases has been observed over the past few weeks, the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) warns that the risk of an increase remains high due to the ongoing weather conditions.

Dr. Samarawickrama identified Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Galle, Matara, Jaffna, Batticaloa, Kurunegala, Ratnapura, and Kegalle as the districts currently at highest risk.

Meanwhile, the dengue outbreak has so far caused 22 deaths, with most occurring in Ratnapura.

Dr. Samarawickrama also advised that anyone experiencing fever, body pain, muscle pain, vomiting, or nausea during this period should seek immediate medical attention.

Comments - 5

Dr Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 21 October 2025 04:57 PM

Rs 5 Billion allocated for Clean Sri Lanka, but the mosquitoes are breeding more than ever, the canals are full of garbage, from time to time you see 500 plus former JVP protest boys wearing Clean Sri Lanka uniforms just doing media shows. So this Clean Sri Lanka program is just NPP propaganda at public expense.

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Grace Tuesday, 21 October 2025 05:28 PM

There so many unused private lands in Wattala, Hekitta area where wild plants grow profusely and are becoming dengue breeding grounds. Dengue control team visit the areas as if they are on site-seeing trips. No proper actions are taken. Residents have no option but to rue their fate

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A Disappointed senior citizen. Wednesday, 22 October 2025 04:30 AM

The government should realise that millions of rupees are spent every year for the treatment of infectious diseases including dengue.Being a person who lived in foreign countries over 40 years telling that any country whose system is rotten to the core will never prosper.

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Cassie Tuesday, 21 October 2025 08:57 PM

Nothing done since president Gotabaya's aggressive campaign to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds. If successive governments continue the good policies their predecessors implemented then Sri Lanka's elusive vision of being like Singapore would have been a reality by now.

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Percy Wijenayake Wednesday, 22 October 2025 08:41 AM

It appears Dengue has gone beyond control and will take years to eradicate. Mosquito repellants are a temporary answer. Poor drainage of the land and garbage dumping the main cause. Seek an overseas consultant to address the issue, as tourism will suffer.

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