Western Province hit hardest by Chikungunya surge

• Total 16,544 cases reported across Sri Lanka since January

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The Western Province has recorded the highest number of Chikungunya cases in the country this year, according to official data released by health authorities.   

Out of the total 16,544 cases reported across Sri Lanka since January, 7,611 have been recorded in the Western Province alone.   

The highest number of cases within the province was reported from the Colombo District with 2,709 cases, followed by Gampaha with 2,453 and Kalutara with 567.  Commenting on the situation, Governor of the Western Province, Hanif Yusuf told Daily Mirror that the province is taking swift action to contain the spread of the mosquito-borne disease.   

“We are taking all the measures to contain the spread of Chikungunya,” Governor Yusuf said. “As per my directive and in coordination with the Colombo Regional Health Office, all the preventive measures such as fogging using drones are underway.”   

He added that 18 anti-Chikungunya programmes were carried out in the province during the month of April alone as part of the response efforts.