Colombo, May 13 (IANS). The havoc of dengue in Sri Lanka is increasing day by day. Since January 2026, 14 people have died due to this viral infection while 27,754 cases have been registered. The Health Department of Sri Lanka says that infection reports are being made from all 25 districts of the country.
The National Dengue Control Unit said that the numbers have increased compared to 2025. The highest number of infections was recorded in the Western Province, while Matara, Galle, Ratnapura, Kalutara and Kandy also suffered from it in large numbers during the first four months of 2026.
Priscilla Samaraweera, a community medicine specialist at the National Dengue Control Unit, said at a press conference held at the Health Ministry that monsoon rains could further spread the infection.
Officials said that compared to homes, a greater increase in mosquito breeding has been seen in schools, workplaces, religious institutions as well as government and private institutions. Improper disposal of waste has been cited as the main reason for the spread of dengue, emphasizing the need for full cooperation of the public for prevention.
The public has also been advised to seek immediate medical attention if fever is accompanied by at least two symptoms such as muscle pain, headache, vomiting, nausea or skin rashes.
Dengue (also known as break-bone fever) is a viral infection spread between people through mosquitoes. Its victims are more common in tropical and subtropical regions than in temperate regions.
Most people do not show symptoms of dengue. Among those who do appear, the most common symptoms are high fever, headache, body ache, nausea and skin rashes. Most patients recover within 1–2 weeks, but in some people dengue becomes severe, requiring hospital treatment.
In severe cases, dengue proves fatal.
The risk of dengue can be reduced by avoiding mosquito bites, especially during the day. At present, there is no specific treatment available for dengue and it is mainly treated through pain management.
Dengue can take a dangerous form in people who are infected for the second time. Serious symptoms often appear after the fever subsides, including severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums or nose, and extreme fatigue.
Dengue cases have increased significantly around the world in recent decades. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this number increased from 5,05,430 in the year 2000 to 1.46 crore in 2024. However, most cases are mild or asymptomatic and resolve on their own, so actual figures are often underreported. This disease has now become endemic in more than 100 countries.
The year 2024 saw the highest number of dengue cases ever recorded in a 12-month period, affecting more than 100 countries across all continents. Persistent infections and an unprecedented increase in cases led to more than 1.46 crore cases and 12,000 dengue-related deaths reported globally during 2024. Among these, the US region contributed the most, where more than 1.3 crore cases were reported.
–IANS
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