Dengue fever cases in the country have been increasing steadily since the beginning of this year, reaching three times the number recorded in the same period over the past two years. The Western, Southwestern, Central, and Eastern provinces, particularly in districts such as Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Galle, Kegalle, and Kandy, have reported a higher number of cases.

According to the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU), nearly 4,000 new cases of dengue were reported in the first two weeks of May 2023 alone. This significant rise in cases has sparked serious concerns about the possibility of an impending epidemic. The NDCU further disclosed that the spread of the Den-3 variant of the dengue virus is accelerating its transmission throughout the country. As of May 15, 2023, a total of 33,742 dengue cases have been recorded across the island.

These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for intensified efforts to control the dengue outbreak. Authorities and health organizations are urged to take swift action to prevent further spread of the virus and protect the population from the escalating threat of dengue fever.