Dengue cases cross 92,000 as death toll rises to 68

Sri Lanka’s dengue caseload has climbed to 92,011 this year, with the number of dengue-related deaths rising to 68, according to the National Dengue Control Unit.

As many as 96 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas across the country have been identified as high-risk areas, amid a continuing surge in infections.

The Western Province accounts for more than half of the country’s cases, recording 48,725 infections or 52.96% of the total.

The Southern Province has reported the second-highest number of cases at 13,533, followed by the Central Province with 8,274 and Sabaragamuwa with 7,558.

Gampaha remains the worst-affected district, with 19,631 cases, followed by Colombo with 18,245.

Kandy has recorded 6,613 cases, while Matara has reported 6,036, Kalutara 5,951, Galle 5,039 and Ratnapura 4,935.

The Colombo Municipal Council area alone has recorded 3,700 dengue cases.

July was the worst month so far this year, with 29,968 cases reported. June recorded another 21,533 cases, while 8,590 cases were reported in May.

The spread has continued into August, with 6,671 cases recorded during the first 15 days of the month.

Health authorities have urged the public to destroy mosquito breeding sites and maintain clean surroundings to curb the spread of dengue.

They have also advised anyone developing fever or other suspected symptoms to seek medical attention from a qualified medical practitioner without delay.