Dengue Risk Increases with Northeast Monsoon, Warns Health Officials

COLOMBO (News 1st) - As the Northeast monsoon begins, the National Dengue Control Unit has warned that Dengue could spread in the Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka.

Dr. Lahiru Kodithuwakku from the National Dengue Control Unit said that Dengue control programs are already taking place to address the growing concern.

So far, the highest number of Dengue cases have been in the Western province.

He said that the Kandy district in the Central province, Puttalam and Kurunegala in the North Western province, Galle in the Southern province and the Ratnapura district in the Sabaragamuwa province have also seen significant outbreaks.

10 MOH division across Sri Lanka have been identified as high-risk zones. Special programs are now in place to reduce the spread of Dengue in these areas.

With the monsoon rains expected to continue, Dr. Kodithuwakku warned that the northern and southern regions are likely to see more cases of Dengue.

Public awareness campaigns are already underway to encourage people to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and protect themselves from bites.