Dengue reaches epidemic level in Colombo, Gampaha

• Dengue caseload crosses 35,000 mark  
• Keep surroundings clean to keep dengue at bay 

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

A steep rise in dengue cases in many parts of the country with 22 fatalities so far this year has set alarm bells ringing in the health corridors as it has reached the epidemic level in some areas.   

Speaking to Daily Mirror, Consultant Community Physician Dr. Nimalka Pannilahetti of the National Dengue Control Unit said, “Colombo and Gampaha are experiencing an epidemic situation. The situation in other areas can also go from bad to worse as cases continue to surge.”   

“Dengue is a disease that is not amenable to eradication because there may be plenty of breeding places hidden. 

In this context, the people should be extra alert to keep their surroundings clean to keep dengue at bay,”
she emphasized.   

Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, Senior Consultant Physician at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) reiterated that Sri Lanka had already reached the epidemic threshold, adding that the worst is yet to come.   
This statement is made in the context of the speculations that the dengue epidemic could strike
next month.   

According to the Epidemiology Unit, the total number of dengue cases reported for 2023 surpassed the 35,000 mark yesterday and the dengue tally stands at 35,075 as of last morning.   
Of the total infections, Gampaha, Colombo and Kalutara have registered 7,904, 7,348 and 2,086 cases respectively, taking the total cases of the Western Province to 17,338, the highest in
terms of provinces.   

In addition, the Puttalam district has also logged a significant number of cases as 2,483, the third highest in terms of districts.   

For the month of May, a total of 5,406 cases have been recorded so far.   

Meanwhile, the rising infections of dengue have so far claimed 22 lives since January this year.

• the total number of dengue cases reported for 2023 surpassed the 35,000 mark yesterday and the dengue tally stands at 35,075 as of last morning