Fifteen deaths from dengue have been reported in Sri Lanka so far this year and a total of 29,589 cases have been recorded nationwide, health authorities said on Tuesday.
Specialist Dr. Prasheela Samaraweera of the National Dengue Control Unit told NewsFirst that 39 high-risk dengue zones have been identified across the island. The highest case loads are in the Western Province, followed by the Southern and Sabaragamuwa Provinces.
District-wise, Colombo, Gampaha, Ratnapura, Matara, Galle, Kalutara and Kandy have recorded the largest numbers of infections, she said.
Dr. Samaraweera attributed the rise to intermittent rainfall, which has increased potential mosquito breeding sites. The data lands as the southwest monsoon establishes over Sri Lanka, bringing showers across multiple provinces and creating conditions favourable to the Aedes mosquito.
The Control Unit urged the public to inspect their surroundings and eliminate locations where mosquitoes can breed, and recommended mosquito repellents and clothing that covers the body for children.
Anyone whose symptoms persist beyond two days should seek medical attention, Dr. Samaraweera said. Warning signs include fever, body aches, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, nausea and the appearance of red spots on the skin.
She emphasised that individuals with high fever should avoid all medication other than paracetamol without proper medical advice — a longstanding caution against non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, which can worsen dengue haemorrhagic complications.
