Dengue in Sri Lanka

21 Jun 2022

Media quoting the Sri Lanka Ministry of Health report continuing transmission of dengue fever across the country. There were 2 416 cases in the first of week of June 2022 with Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Galle, Jaffna, Kegalle, and Ratnapura districts particularly affected.

Dengue is an infection found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide. It is spread by mosquito bites and can cause a severe flu-like illness.

There is no vaccine against dengue in the UK. 

Advice for Travellers

The mosquitoes which transmit dengue bite during the day, between dawn and dusk.  They are particularly persistent and aggressive.

If you are travelling to an affected region, you are potentially at risk of dengue fever and should be aware of this infection.

• You can protect yourself by avoiding mosquito bites at all times.

If you develop a high temperature (fever) either during or after travelling to an affected area, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and give details of your recent travel history.

For further information see the dengue fever page.