By: Isuru Parakrama
October 15, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s health authorities have raised concerns over a possible surge in dengue fever cases as the ongoing rainy season creates ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.
The monsoon weather, which has worsened waterlogging in many areas, is contributing to an increase in dengue-carrying mosquitoes, prompting officials to urge the public to take preventative measures.
Consultant Community Physician at the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU), Dr Anoja Dheerasinghe, revealed that a total of 40,657 dengue cases have been recorded across the country in 2024, with 1,247 of those reported in October alone.
Alarmingly, the NDCU also confirmed 20 dengue-related fatalities this year.
“The current weather patterns significantly elevate the risk of dengue mosquito breeding,” Dr Dheerasinghe remarked, emphasising that most cases have been reported from the Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts.
Other areas experiencing heightened infection rates include Kandy, Ratnapura, Matara, Galle, and Matale, reflecting the widespread nature of the threat.
Health officials are forecasting a further rise in cases if swift action is not taken to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
The public is being urged to ensure that potential breeding sites, particularly in waterlogged environments such as stagnant pools or discarded containers, are eradicated.
Failure to address these issues could exacerbate the dengue crisis, straining healthcare resources and endangering lives, particularly in high-risk districts.
In response to the growing concern, local authorities are ramping up awareness campaigns and community-level interventions to tackle mosquito breeding.
Residents are being encouraged to actively participate in cleanliness drives and maintain vigilance to prevent a potential dengue epidemic from taking hold.
