15 MOH areas flagged as high-risk zones due to rise in dengue cases: NDCU

• Western Province is the most affected region

 By Huzefa Aliasger  

Sri Lanka is currently experiencing a rise in dengue cases,  with the latest data from the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU)  indicating 35,118 cases reported up to the 33rd week of 2024, an  increase from 30,575 cases recorded during the corresponding period of  2023 .

The data reveals 968 suspected cases recorded alone this  week, which highlights an increase from 917 the previous week.  The  Western Province is the most affected region, contributing 51.3% of the  total cases nationwide. Colombo District alone accounts for nearly 30  per cent of the total cases.  

The NDCU has flagged 15 Medical Officer of Health (MOH)  areas as high-risk zones, with newly identified hotspots such as  Nawalapitiya, Harispattuwa, Kolonnawa, and Mahara showing an increase in  cases which adds to the previously flagged districts which are Kandy,  Gampaha, Colombo, Ratnapura, Galle, Kalutara, Jaffna, Kilinochchi,  Mannar and Colombo South.  

The Jaffna District has witnessed a dramatic 133% increase  in cases, while other areas in the Northern Province, including  Kilinochchi and Mannar, have also seen sharp upticks. Hospitalisations  are also on the rise. The average midnight total of dengue patients in  74 selected hospitals was 317 in the 33rd week, with 19 hospitals  reporting an increase in admissions.