Sri Lanka: Ongoing dengue fever outbreak /update 4

Event

According to the Sri Lanka Epidemiology Unit, at least 48,669 cases of dengue fever, including 50 deaths, have been reported nationwide between January 1 and late December. According to reports, the most affected areas include Colombo, Batticaloa, and Gampaha. Authorities have implemented public health measures, including fumigation campaigns aimed at eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, to hinder further spread of the disease.

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 in 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 rainwater that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).