23 May 2018 | 07:06 AM UTC
Sri Lanka: Ongoing dengue fever outbreak
Nationwide dengue fever outbreak continues; 19,087 suspected cases as of May 21
Event
According to the Sri Lanka Epidemiology Unit, at least 19,087 cases of dengue fever have been reported nationwide between January 1 and May 21. According to reports, the most affected areas are the western regions of the country. Efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds are to be anticipated in the coming weeks.
Context
Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rashes. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, the enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.
Advice
Individuals Sri Lanka are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites - by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito-netting or in an air conditioned room - and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds (e.g. small pockets of fresh water, such as rain water that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).
