Lanka records about 6,000 new dengue cases in first two weeks of this year

About 6,000 new dengue cases have been reported in Sri Lanka by 15 January this year, according to the latest update released by the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) on Tuesday.

The NDCU said 5,829 cases have been reported during the first 15 days of January.

The Western Province recorded the highest number with 1,956 cases, followed by the Northern Province with 1,390 cases.

Last year, 88,398 dengue cases were reported in Sri Lanka with 57 deaths, according to the NDCU.

Earlier in January, the health ministry declared a countrywide dengue prevention week to curb the spread of the mosquito-borne disease in the South Asian country. (RK)