The National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) said that with the 2,652 dengue cases reported yesterday (19), the number of dengue cases reported so far this year has increased to 76,044.
According to the unit's data, 162 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions across the island have been identified as dengue high-risk areas. There has been a significant increase in the number of cases in the past few months, with 8,590 cases reported in May, 21,537 cases in June and 20,666 cases in the past 19 days of July alone.
There have been 53 deaths due to dengue this year, with the mortality rate of patients recorded at 0.07%.
At the provincial level, the Western Province has the highest number of cases, accounting for 52.61% of the total, or 40,009 patients. The Southern Province has 11,707 patients (15.40%) and the Central Province has 6,431 patients (8.46%).
At the district level, the Gampaha District has been the most affected, with 15,910 patients reported. The Colombo District has 15,110 patients, of which 3,073 are from the Colombo Municipal Council area.
The health sector is urging the public to keep their surroundings clean and to seek immediate medical attention if they have symptoms of fever.