Massive increase in dengue cases

By Emanthi Marambe

Epidemiologists yesterday said that there had been a massive increase in reported dengue cases so far this year as compared to the corresponding period in 2022.

They urged people to check their surroundings regularly and destroy any mosquito breeding sites.

In January 2022, there were 7,702 dengue cases reported in Sri Lanka, 8,963 cases were reported in January 2023.

2,962 cases were reported in February 2022, this rose to 6709 in February 2023.

Some 3,040 cases were reported in March 2022, this rose to 6419 in March 2023.

4,019 cases were reported in April 2022, this rose to 7,617 in April 2023.

6,483 cases were reported in May 2022, this rose to 9696 in May 2023.

These numbers can dramatically increase further as the monsoon season just began, these doctors warn.