News
Dengue on the wing with steady showers
View(s):By Jayani Madawala
Health officials warn that continuing showers will likely lead to an increase in the dengue cases.
Speaking to the Sunday Times Anoja Dheerasinghe, Consultant Community Physician at the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) said 11,225 cases of dengue infections have been recorded as of March 22.
“Among the provinces, the Western Province tops the list” she added.
Colombo, Gampaha, Kandy, Matara, Ratnapura, Kegalle and Batticaloa have recorded the highest numbers of cases.
“Public awareness campaigns and mosquito control measures are continuing to combat the disease,” she added.
According to the latest data from the NDCU, during the 9th week of 2025, 828 suspected dengue cases were reported in 24 districts in comparison to 945 in 23 districts during the 8th week.
There is a 12.4% decrease in the 9th week compared to the previous week. Of all reported cases, 46.3% were fromWestern Province [Colombo Municipal Council – 17.1%, rest of the Colombo District – 0.5%, Gampaha District – 13.5% and Kalutara District – 5.1%]. Batticaloa [7.4%], Rathnapura[6.3%], Kandy [6.0%], Galle [5.0%], and Matara [4.1%]districts also have reported a higher number of cases.
Mosquitoes carry dengue fever, and the main vector, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, breeds best in warm, humid climates with standing water.
The recent intermittent rains and high temperatures likely create ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.
More rain also creates more stagnant water bodies and receptacles that mosquitoes may breed in.
Usual symptoms of dengue fever include high fever. It is recommended to consult a doctor if the fever continues for more than 48 hours. Pregnant mothers, children, and diabetes patients are the most vulnerable.
Dengue mosquitoes breed in containers where clean water is collected. Therefore our environs must be kept clean.
Dengue breeding sites have been detected in many schools, further underscoring the threat.
According to authorities improper water storage practices and high population density are also risk factors.
The Meteorology Department meanwhile says showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western, and Northern provinces, as well as in the Anuradhapura, Galle, and Matara districts. Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm can be expected in some areas of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, and in the Galle and Matara districts.
Several spells of showers may occur in the Eastern and Uva provinces and in the Hambantota and Polonnaruwa districts, the Meteorology Department said.
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