Dengue cases doubled in Nov. & Dec. - Dr. Sudath Samaraweera

The number of dengue cases reported in Sri Lanka has doubled in November and December, despite the drop in the death toll seen in 2021, Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said on Friday (December 31).

Addressing a media briefing held at the Government Information Department, the Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, he said the country has seen a total of 4,561 dengue cases in November and 8,740 in December.

Two-thirds of these infections were meanwhile reported from Western Province, he said, adding that 12% of them were detected within the limits of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) and 20% from the rest of the Colombo District. Gampaha District has reported 24% while Kalutara confirmed 10%.

According to Dr. Samaraweera, the dengue unit has identified 15 high-risk districts for this mosquito-borne viral disease.

The general public is advised to keep their environment clean and to get rid of breeding sites for mosquitoes that lead to a sharp rise in cases.

Meanwhile, Dr Nimalka Pannilahetti of the National Dengue Control Unit urged people to seek medical treatment if they are suffering from any symptoms. The characteristic symptoms are sudden-onset fever, headache, cold and muscle and joint pains.