05 Jan 2020 | 05:56 PM UTC
Sri Lanka: Over 96,903 dengue cases reported as of December 29
Authorities record at least 96,903 cases of dengue fever and 90 related fatalities nationwide as of December 29; take precautionary measures
Event
According to the Sri Lankan Epidemiology Unit (EU), over 96,903 dengue cases, including 90 related deaths, have been clinically confirmed in Sri Lanka as of Sunday, December 29, 2019. The risk of contracting dengue fever has been identified as particularly high in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Ratnapura, and Galle districts.
Further spread of the disease is possible over 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 in Sri Lanka are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in a screened-in or air-conditioned room) and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds on their properties (e.g. small pockets of fresh water, such as rainwater that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).
