Major dengue outbreak around the corner?

Surveillance, cleanup campaigns intensified   

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

With more rains expected in the coming weeks, health authorities are on high alert to avert a major outbreak of dengue across the country.   

Speaking to Daily Mirror, Consultant Community Physician Dr. Preshila Samaraweera said that preventive measures are already underway to control mosquito breeding areas.   

“At the moment, the number of cases is not rising at an alarming rate. However, this can quickly change if the rains continue as stagnant water provides ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.” Dr. Samaraweera pointed out.   

“We have intensified surveillance and cleanup campaigns in high-risk areas focusing on removing mosquito breeding sites such as discarded containers, blocked gutters, and stagnant water pools,”   

“In addition, public awareness campaigns are also being carried out to encourage people to keep their surroundings clean and regularly inspect their homes and gardens,”   

Dr. Samaraweera highlighted the importance of community support in these efforts.   

With the monsoon rains continuing in several parts of the country, health authorities have urged the public to be vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, or skin rashes appear.   

According to the latest figures from the Epidemiology Unit, there have been 13 dengue-related deaths so far in 2025, while the total number of reported cases has climbed to 25,300.