07 Jul 2019 | 01:09 PM UTC
Sri Lanka: Ongoing dengue fever outbreak as of early July /update 7
Nationwide dengue fever outbreak continues in Sri Lanka; over 23,000 cases and 35 associated deaths reported as of early July
Event
According to the Sri Lanka Epidemiology Unit, at least 23,842 cases - including 35 associated deaths - of dengue fever have been recorded nationwide as of early July. According to reports, the most affected areas include Colombo, Galle, and Gampaha. Authorities have implemented public health measures, including fumigation campaigns aimed at eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, to hinder the 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.).
