தவறவிடாதீர்கள்..!உடனே பதிவு செய்யுங்கள்

BY C. SUBADHARSHANI

The National Dengue Control Unit has reported that the dengue death toll in Sri Lanka has risen to 50, with total infections across the country exceeding 73,000.

According to official data, a total of 73,455 dengue cases were recorded nationwide from January 1 until the day before yesterday. This month alone has seen a sharp escalation, with 18,076 cases reported within the first 16 days.

Due to the rapid daily increase, health authorities have declared 175 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions as high-risk areas. The Western Province remains the worst affected, recording 38,700 cases (52.69% of the national total), followed by the Southern Province with 11,382 cases (15.50%). The highest concentration of cases continues to be reported in Gampaha, Colombo, Matara, Kalutara, Kandy, Ratnapura, Galle, Hambantota, and Kegalle districts, alongside the Colombo Municipal Council limits.

State hospitals, including the Columbo National Hospital and the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, are currently overwhelmed, with medical staff operating under severe constraints. Wards are filled to capacity, forcing some hospitals to accommodate two patients per bed.

The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent appeal to the public to act responsibly by destroying potential mosquito breeding sites and keeping their surrounding environments clean.