Spike in dengue case in past 11 months compared to same period last year

In comparison to 2021, there has been an alarming increase in dengue cases reported to the Epidemiology Unit between January and end November this year.

According to data made public by the unit, 57,349 dengue cases have been recorded during the past eleven months, while in 2021, for the corresponding period the number was 25,067. By the end of last month, the Colombo district recorded 11,914 dengue cases, marking the highest dengue infection rate in the country while the Mullaitivu district recorded the lowest, with 64 cases.

About 41.9% of dengue cases were reported from the Western Province with the third week in July recording the highest number of 2,386 cases so far for the year.

"There is an upsurge in the transmission of viral fever, dengue, and COVID-19 in the community and people are encouraged to take immediate remedies to control the situation," a statement from the Health Ministry said.

According to the Ministry, about 70 children are admitted to hospitals daily with viral fever and several of them have the dengue infection.