Nearly 60,000 Dengue cases, 38 deaths so far - Health Ministry

• Central and North-Western Provinces have recorded the second and third highest number of dengue cases

By Rashida Rehmanjee   

Around 60,000 Dengue cases, along with 38 deaths, have been reported so far this year, according to the latest updates from the National Dengue Control Unit of the Health Ministry.  

The Unit said the Western Province, consisting of Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts, made up close to 30,000 cases (49.3%) . Colombo and Gampaha are the highest risk areas in Sri Lanka as of now. An average of approximately 8,100 cases was reported each month between January and July, 2023. So far, 2,580 cases have been reported in August. The Central and North-Western Provinces have recorded the second and third highest number of dengue cases with 9.8% and 8.5% cases, respectively.  

The Sabaragamuwa Province, consisting of Ratnapura and Kegalle, was the area with the lowest risk factor, contributing with only 8.2% of all cases.  

•  Western Province reported nearly 30,000 cases