October 25, Colombo (LNW): Dengue cases have surged by 10.5% during the week of October 14 to 20, according to the National Dengue Control Programme, with 627 cases reported from various parts of the country. The increase is attributed to the ongoing rainy conditions.
Since the start of the year, a total of 41,591 dengue cases and 20 deaths have been recorded nationwide. The Western Province has been the most affected, accounting for 42.5% of the total cases, or 17,686 cases. The highest numbers have been reported from:
- Colombo District: 10,460 cases
- Gampaha District: 4,927 cases
- Kalutara District: 2,299 cases
- Jaffna District: 4,133 cases
- Kandy District: 3,585 cases
- Ratnapura District: 2,591 cases
- Kurunegala District: 1,665 cases
- Galle District: 1,872 cases
The Health Ministry has identified seven high-risk zones, including the Colombo Municipal Council area, Kaduwela, Biyagama, Kelaniya, Ragama, Yatinuwara, and Wennappuwa. The ministry advises the public to seek medical attention from a doctor if fever persists for more than two days, suspecting dengue as a possibility. They also urge the public to maintain cleanliness and eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds to help curb the spread of dengue.
