Dengue on the increase in Sri Lanka
According to Sri Lanka's Epidemiology Unit, 41 people have died and more than 36,000 people have been infected by dengue fever across Sri Lanka so far this year. This includes 1,075 diagnoses so far in August, while 5,221 cases were reported last month.
Epidemiologists have said that the highest number of dengue cases this year, at 6,937, was reported in Colombo, while the second highest (4,156) was reported from Batticaloa and the third (3,619) from Gampaha on the outskirts of Colombo.
The National Dengue Control Unit has warned that there has been an increase in the number of dengue patients this year due to the active southwest monsoon rains. As a result, it launched special programmes to eradicate dengue breeding grounds in the most vulnerable districts. Travellers are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience the symptoms of dengue, which include sudden high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, severe joint and muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and a rash.