Western Province records highest number of dengue cases this week

By Mangala Pavithrani

Colombo, Dec. 11 (Daily Mirror) - Health authorities warn of a sharp rise in dengue infections, with the Western Province reporting the highest number of cases this week, according to National Dengue Prevention Unit Director Dr. Kapila Kannangara.

Speaking at the launch of the ‘Simplified Early Action Protocol’ aimed at strengthening dengue control measures, Dr. Kannangara revealed that 463 dengue patients were identified in the Western Province alone within the past week.

“With the activation of the North-East monsoon, we typically see an increase in dengue cases during this period. However, this week has shown an unusually high spike,” he said.

The latest district-level dengue figures for the week are as follows:

• Colombo District: 263 cases
• Gampaha District: 143 cases
• Kalutara District: 57 cases
• Kurunegala District: 26 cases
• Jaffna District: 36 cases
• Ratnapura District: 68 cases
• Kegalle District: 20 cases

Dr. Kannangara noted that the newly launched early action protocol will mobilise Public Health Inspectors, Medical Officers of Health, and the Sri Lanka Red Cross to intensify dengue prevention efforts, with special attention on high-risk districts such as Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Jaffna, and Kandy.

The initiative focuses on encouraging the public to maintain clean environments around schools, crowded locations, homes, and areas with reported dengue cases. It will also provide facilities to support these efforts while strengthening awareness campaigns and inspections.

Dr. Kannangara cautioned that the current disaster situation in the country heightens the risk of a severe dengue outbreak.

“If dengue begins to spread among communities already affected by the recent disasters, it could escalate into a major health crisis. Our priority now is to control the disease as much as possible,” he highlighted.