The Ministry of Health has revealed that since January 1 of this year, 10,886 dengue patients have been reported across Sri Lanka, representing a 43.4% decrease compared to the same period in 2024.
However, the Ministry warns of a potential increase in dengue cases due to intermittent rains in recent days.
To address this risk and control the spread of dengue, the National Dengue Control Unit has planned a special field program based on existing data. This program will focus on the Colombo Metropolitan Area and the districts of Gampaha, Kalutara, Matara, Matale, Batticaloa, Ratnapura, and Trincomalee, covering 37 high-risk health medical officer divisions.
The program is scheduled for March 27, 28, and 29, involving field inspection teams that will monitor homes, schools, workplaces, institutions, factories, religious sites, public areas, and other locations within the risk zones.
These field inspection teams will include health personnel, tri-service officers, police officers, and volunteers. They will also conduct awareness campaigns to prevent mosquito breeding in homes and public areas in the relevant districts as part of the program.
Since mosquito breeding can occur in various environments, the National Dengue Control Unit urges the public to dedicate at least 30 minutes each week to inspecting their surroundings and eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites.
Additionally, the National Dengue Control Unit advises anyone experiencing symptoms such as high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, red spots on the skin, or bleeding to immediately seek medical attention from a hospital or qualified doctor.
The public is further advised to use only paracetamol for fever management and avoid using NSAID drugs (such as aspirin, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen, diclofenac) and steroids (like prednisolone, dexamethasone).
