June 29 (Citizen News) – Sri Lanka is experiencing a significant rise in dengue infections as ongoing rainy weather conditions continue to accelerate the spread of the disease, health authorities have warned.
According to the National Dengue Control Unit, 19,318 dengue cases were reported during June alone (up to June 28), bringing the total number of cases recorded so far this year to 53,159.
Officials also confirmed that 31 dengue-related deaths have been reported since the beginning of the year.
A total of 124 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions across the country have been classified as high-risk dengue zones.
While monthly cases remained below 10,000 during the first five months of the year, a sharp spike was recorded in June, with nearly 19,000 cases reported within just 28 days.
The Western Province remains the worst affected region, recording 27,833 cases, which accounts for 52.36% of the national total.
Health authorities are urging the public to take immediate preventive action by eliminating stagnant water and maintaining clean surroundings to prevent mosquito breeding.
Meanwhile, local authorities and security forces have stepped up prevention efforts, including community clean-up campaigns such as one organized by the Bope-Poddala Pradeshiya Sabha. In another initiative, nearly 100 officers from the Mount Lavinia Police Headquarters participated in a clean-up drive under the supervision of Chief Inspector Sumedha Wimalagunaratne to help curb the spread of dengue. - adaderana
