Dengue risk rises across the island

There is a severe risk of dengue re-emerging across the island, and 13 people, including a child from an international school, died from the disease during the period of this year.

National Dengue Control Unit Acting Director Kapila Kannangara stated that 26,071 dengue cases were reported across the country by the 4th of May.

According to statistics, 6,013 cases were recorded in March, 5,662 in April, and 809 cases up to the 4th of May.

The Acting Director noted an increasing trend in 4 provinces, with Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Hambantota, Matara, and Ratnapura identified as the districts reporting the highest number of patients.

Intermittent rainy weather and water collecting in discarded containers serve as the primary causes for the spread.

Entomological surveys identified school systems, religious sites including Buddhist temples, government office premises, and private houses as the most common mosquito breeding grounds.

Health officials emphasised that maintaining the cleanliness of these premises can control both dengue and chikungunya.