Colombo declared high-risk as dengue cases mount

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

A special dengue control week will be launched across the Colombo District from June 15 to 21, as health authorities move to contain a sharp rise in infections that has pushed the district into a high-risk category. 

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee held at the Colombo District Secretariat yesterday, chaired by Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya. 

The National Dengue Control Unit reports around 39,100 dengue cases nationwide so far this year, with Colombo accounting for 25.8% of infections. 

Officials say cases have climbed significantly compared to the same period last year, signalling an escalating outbreak. 

Health authorities warned that the surge is being fuelled by both the nature of the circulating virus and low immunity levels among the population, while recent heavy rainfall has further accelerated mosquito breeding and transmission risks.