Sri Lanka: 2 dead, over 3,700 affected by dengue

Two people have died and over 3,700 affected by the dengue virus across Sri Lanka within the first three weeks of January, the Epidemiology Unit said here on Tuesday.

Till Friday, 3,743 dengue cases were reported from across the country with the highest number reported from capital Colombo, followed by Jaffna in the north and Gampaha on the outskirts of the Colombo district.

Medical experts urged people to seek immediate medical attention if they suffered from high fever, uncontrolled vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness and reduced urinary.

"All fever patients need rest and should refrain from attending work or school," epidemiologists said.

"Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) can be fatal," epidemiologists added.

Last year, over 50 people died and over 48,000 affected by the dengue virus with the National Dengue Control Unit launching several programs to eradicate dengue's breeding grounds in several districts of the island country.