COLOMBO: The number of people infected with dengue fever has risen to over 17,000 in Sri Lanka so far this year and the virus has caused seven deaths, health officials said on Thursday.

Most recently, over 300 confirmed dengue cases were reported and over 90 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 diseases with the prevailing monsoon season, they said.

According to the 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 the dengue fever.
(Xinhua)