The National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) has reported a concerning rise in dengue cases, with nearly 5,000 infections confirmed across the country by the end of January 2025. According to the NDCU, a total of 4,943 dengue cases were recorded in the month, alongside two fatalities attributed to the virus.
The Gampaha District has seen the highest number of cases, with 764 reported infections, followed by Colombo District, which recorded 674 cases. Within Colombo, the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) area has seen 608 cases alone. Other districts that have reported significant numbers include Galle (315 cases), Kandy (303 cases), Batticaloa (278 cases), and Jaffna (201 cases).
In response to the growing number of cases, the NDCU has identified 16 high-risk dengue zones in the country. Health authorities are urging residents in these areas to take necessary precautions, including eliminating mosquito breeding sites, to curb the spread of the disease.
The NDCU continues to monitor the situation closely and is working on raising awareness to prevent further infections. Health officials are also advising the public to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, severe headache, joint pain, or rashes.
As the nation battles this outbreak, the importance of community involvement and government-led efforts to control mosquito populations remains crucial.
