At least 10 dead, 18,000 infected with dengue fever in Sri Lanka so far this year

COLOMBO: The number of people infected with dengue fever has risen to 18,000 in Sri Lanka so far this year and the virus has caused 10 deaths, as per the health officials.

Most recently, over 500 confirmed dengue cases were reported and over 100 of them were in Colombo, they said.

Health officials also said there was an increase in the mosquito population and warned of the risk of dengue spreading further in the coming days, especially in urban and semi-urban areas.

Preventing the spread of dengue should be given special attention as there was an increased risk of the mosquito-borne disease with the prevailing monsoon rains, officials said.

According to official data, April saw the highest number of dengue cases with 1,860 infections.

Medical experts have urged the public to seek immediate medical service if they suffer high fever, uncontrolled vomiting, abdominal pain, or dizziness among other symptoms of dengue fever. (Xinhua)