Although not reported, dengue patients have exceeded two hundred thousand.

The current dengue outbreak in Sri Lanka has reached a critical level, and health authorities warn that although not officially reported, the actual number of patients could exceed two hundred thousand. According to the latest data from the National Dengue Control Unit, the total number of dengue patients officially identified in the country from the beginning of this year to date is 53,159.

The unit points out that despite authorities raising public awareness for several days to curb this epidemic, public participation and interest in destroying mosquito breeding grounds and maintaining a clean environment are still insufficient.

The highest number of dengue patients this year was reported in June, with 19,318 infected individuals identified in that month alone. Considering district-level data, 27,833 patients were reported from the Western Province alone, which is a high percentage of 52.36% of the total patients. As of the 21st of last month, 12,129 dengue patients were reported from the Colombo district, marking a 69.54% increase compared to the same period last year. Furthermore, 8,697 dengue patients were reported from the Gampaha district, a significant increase of 110.28% compared to last year.

In light of the current outbreak, health authorities have taken steps to designate 124 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions across the island as high-risk dengue zones. The total number of dengue deaths recorded so far this year is 31, with the highest number of deaths, 9, reported from the Colombo district. Gampaha district ranks second with 6 deaths. Data reports indicate that 22 of these 31 deaths were women, and the majority of the deceased were adults over 64 years of age. Additionally, 5 children under the age of 14 have also succumbed to dengue fever so far.

According to Dr. Kapila Kannangara, Acting Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, nearly 750 new dengue patients are being reported daily across the island. Doctors anticipate that this serious situation could continue for another two weeks due to prevailing climatic and environmental conditions. Therefore, health authorities are making an urgent appeal to the public to pay close attention to keeping their surrounding environment clean to destroy mosquito larvae and pupae and prevent the breeding of dengue mosquitoes.

Meanwhile, Sandun Ratnayake, a member of the Public Health Inspectors' Association and a Public Health Inspector at the Mannar Municipal Council, speaking to the "Sunday Times" newspaper, pointed out that although official reports indicate around 50,000 dengue patients, the actual number of infected individuals could be close to two hundred thousand. He states that 75% to 80% of people infected with the dengue virus show no external symptoms due to their high immunity levels. These asymptomatic carriers have become a major source for spreading the virus within the communities they live in, and he further mentions that there is a high risk of the disease being transmitted to others through them.