Sri Lanka Dengue Cases Surge Past 65,000 as Universities Move Online

COLOMBO (News 1st); The number of dengue cases reported in Sri Lanka this year has risen to 65,034, with health authorities reporting a sharp increase in infections across several districts.

According to the National Dengue Control Unit, 1,300 new dengue cases were recorded within the past 24 hours alone. The Unit also confirmed that 42 people have died from dengue-related complications so far this year.

The highest number of dengue cases has been reported from the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Matara, Kalutara, Kandy and Ratnapura.

Amid the rising number of infections, dengue prevention and vector control programmes are being intensified in affected regions.

In Uva Paranagama, public health officials conducted inspections at several locations yesterday to identify mosquito breeding sites. Public Health Inspectors also carried out awareness programmes to educate residents on eliminating potential breeding grounds and preventing the spread of the disease.

A separate dengue eradication campaign was conducted in the Mapalagama area of Galle, where Public Health Inspectors inspected commercial establishments as well as buildings currently under construction to identify potential mosquito breeding locations.

Another dengue control programme was carried out in the Thotamuna area of the Matara District, with the participation of police officers and Public Health Inspectors as authorities continued efforts to curb the spread of the disease.

Against the backdrop of the worsening dengue outbreak, the University of Colombo has decided to conduct lectures online for four faculties for a period of one week beginning today.

Vice Chancellor Professor Indika Karunathilake stated that academic activities in the Faculties of Arts, Law, Education and Management and Finance will be conducted through online platforms in view of the prevailing dengue situation.

However, he clarified that the university will not be closed and that all staff members are required to report for duty as usual.

Professor Karunathilake also noted that all university hostels will remain open while precautionary measures continue to be implemented to protect students and staff from the ongoing dengue outbreak.