The National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) said that the number of dengue patients is increasing rapidly.
NDCU Director Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, speaking to The Morning, said that 39,457 cases were reported during this year islandwide.
A total of 4,033 cases were reported this month islandwide, and 52 were in the Western Province.
“We see a rapid increase in dengue cases this year compared to last year. I urge the general public to ensure that mosquito breeding grounds are destroyed to prevent the spread of dengue.”
During week 26 of this year, 3,263 suspected dengue cases were reported in 25 districts in comparison to 2,863 cases during week 25. There is a 14% increase in week 26, compared to the previous week.
Of all reported cases, 56.8% were from the Western Province, which included 7.1% from the Colombo Municipal Council area, 23.7% from the rest of the Colombo District, 15.8% from the Gampaha District, and 10.2% from the Kalutara District, while Kandy reported 10.2%, Galle 4.9%, and Kegalle and Ratnapura 4.7% each, thus also reporting a higher number of cases.
According to Dr. Samaraweera, dengue patients need to have good rest and stay hydrated.
Some media reports claimed that 35 deaths were reported so far due to dengue in the country; however, Dr. Samaraweera did not confirm the number.
Sri Lanka reported 25,067 dengue cases in 2021, 31,162 cases in 2020, and 105,049 cases in 2019. Dengue is a year-round risk in the country, but transmission rates are typically at their highest in May-July and October-January.
