•  96 MOH areas remain classified as high-risk zones

The number of dengue cases reported in Sri Lanka so far this year has risen to 92,011, according to the National Dengue Control Unit.The number of deaths caused by dengue has also increased to 68.

A total of 96 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas across the country have been identified as high-risk areas for dengue.The Western Province continues to record the highest number of cases, accounting for 52.96 per cent of the national total, or 48,725 patients.The Southern Province has recorded the second-highest number of cases at 13,533, followed by the Central Province with 8,274 cases and the Sabaragamuwa Province with 7,558.At district level, Gampaha has recorded the highest number of dengue cases at 19,631.

Colombo has recorded 18,245 cases, Kandy 6,613, Matara 6,036, Kalutara 5,951, Galle 5,039 and Ratnapura 4,935.The Colombo Municipal Council area alone has recorded around 3,700 cases.July recorded the highest monthly number of dengue cases so far this year, with 29,968 patients.

A further 21,533 cases were recorded in June and 8,590 in May.During the first 15 days of August alone, 6,671 dengue cases have been reported.Health authorities have urged the public to destroy mosquito breeding sites and keep their surroundings clean.They have also advised people experiencing symptoms of fever to seek treatment from a qualified medical practitioner without delay.