Since the beginning of the Year Sri Lanka has had nearly 4000 cases of Dengue Fever and out of those 55 people have died.

The cases have occurred all around Sri Lanka but the majority of them are from Tangelle and Kegalle.

Dengue Fever is classed into 4 different types DEN 1-4 and is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which bites during the day and is found in urban areas.

The symptoms of Dengue include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, as well as a cough. Sometimes there is also a rash. The illness usually lasts up to 10 days, but complete recovery can take up to 4 weeks.

There is a fatal form of Dengue Fever called Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, which usually occurs in persons who have had previous Dengue Fever infections.
There is no vaccination or antiviral medications that protect against this Disease at present. Avoiding getting bitten by mosquitoes is the only way to avoid the disease, using repellents that contain DEET or CITRIDIOL. Furthermore, wearing light-coloured, long sleeved clothing.

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