Sri Lanka reports over 18,000 dengue cases since January

Colombo : The Epidemiology Unit of Sri Lankan Health Ministry has said that during the first six months of this year, 18,613 suspected dengue cases have been reported from across the country.

Nearly 50 percent of the dengue cases were reported from the Western Province which includes Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts, reports the Colombo Page.

The highest numbers of dengue cases were reported during the fourth week of 2016, with 6,009 cases alone in Colombo district.

The highest number of cases was reported in January with 6,674 cases followed by 4,439 cases in February.

Despite the floods and the onset of the South Western Monsoons last month, only 1,526 cases were reported.

The Epidemiology Unit cautioned that the present situation warrants regular removal of possible mosquito breeding sites from the environment. It is also urged the people to seek medical attention.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils recently said the law will be strictly enforced against owners of residences who fail to clear dengue breeding grounds.(ANI)