Notable upswing in dengue infections

With the prevailing rainy conditions, Sri Lanka is witnessing an uptick in dengue cases as compared to the previous month.

According to the Epidemiology Unit, the tally of Dengue cases reported for 2023 has surpassed the 66,000 mark.

As of October 18, 66,368 cases had been reported in 2023, with the highest number of cases from the Colombo district, which stood at 13,900.

The Western Province has recorded over 31,900 cases, the highest province-wise. The month of October has also logged 1,885 Dengue cases.

Meanwhile, one more dengue related death was recorded, taking the total number of fatalities in 2023 to 39.

Speaking on the situation, Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Nalin Ariyadasa said, “With the prevailing rainy weather, we have identified that the Western Province is the most affected among the whole of the country. All three districts have reported dengue cases and we have identified Gampaha, Attanagalle, Dompe and the entire Colombo Municipal zone, Maharagama, Gothatuwa, Panadura and Beruwela as high-risk zones.

The National Dengue Control Unit has also identified eight locations in the Western Province as ‘high-risk zones’ with most cases reported related to dengue.

In this context, people are urged to keep their surroundings clean and destroy mosquito breeding places in order to keep dengue at bay. (Sheain Fernandopulle)