August 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has recorded nearly 90,000 dengue infections so far this year, with health authorities warning the public to remain vigilant as case numbers continue to rise in several parts of the country.
Figures from the National Dengue Control Unit show that 89,639 cases had been reported by August 9, while 65 deaths had been recorded. The resulting case fatality rate stands at 0.07 per cent.
The country experienced a sharp escalation in infections during the middle of the year, with July emerging as the worst-affected month. A total of 29,973 cases were reported during July, while June recorded a further 21,533 infections.
The upward trend has continued into August, with 4,292 cases reported during the first nine days of the month.
Gampaha currently accounts for the largest share of the national caseload, with 19,067 cases, representing 21.27 per cent of all reported infections. Colombo follows with 14,967 cases, or 16.70 per cent, while Kandy has recorded 6,366 cases.
Matara and Kalutara have also reported substantial numbers, with 5,735 and 4,914 cases respectively.
The Western Province remains the country’s main dengue hotspot, accounting for 47,448 infections, or more than half of the national total. The Southern Province has reported 11,761 cases, while 7,208 infections have been recorded in the Central Province.
The extent of the current outbreak is also reflected in surveillance data, with 119 Medical Officer of Health areas classified as high-risk during the 31st epidemiological week of the year. Authorities recorded an average of 1,509 new cases per day during the period.
Health officials continue to stress that controlling the mosquito population remains one of the most effective ways of limiting transmission. Residents have been urged to inspect homes, workplaces and surrounding areas regularly and remove containers or other locations where stagnant water can accumulate.