Sri Lanka reports rapid increase in dengue cases | Video

Colombo, May 31 (EFE/EPA).- In an alarming public health report, Sri Lanka's National Dengue Control Unit has reported a sharp increase in dengue cases in the first four months of the year. The death toll has reached 25, with more than 39,000 people infected with the vector-borne disease.

Almost half of these cases, or approximately 49%, are concentrated in the country's capital, Colombo, and its suburbs. This dense urban environment provides ideal conditions for the Aedes mosquitoes that spread dengue, such as stagnant water for breeding.

In response to this public health crisis, authorities are urging citizens to seek immediate medical attention if they experience a persistent fever lasting more than 48 hours, a typical symptom of dengue. This proactive measure is a crucial part of the effort to curb the death rate associated with the disease.

The rapid increase in dengue cases underscores the urgent need for more aggressive mosquito control and prevention efforts, especially in urban areas such as Colombo. (Camera: CHAMILA KARUNARATHNE).

SHOT LIST: SRI LANKAN HEALTH WORKERS SPRAY INSECTICIDE TO STOP MOSQUITO BREEDING IN AN ATTEMPT TO CONTROL DENGUE FEVER IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA.

Metadata

Date: 31/05/2023 12:00 (UTC)
Credit: EFE
Source: EPA
Topic: Health » Disease
Type: Rough cut
Duration: 161 seconds
Reference: 7001268701
Relevance: Normal