Visitors to Sri Lanka are being warned of the risk of dengue fever after almost twice the usual number of people have become infected with the mosquito-born disease so far this year.
The Foreign Office said almost 20,000 suspected new cases were reported between January and March 8, whereas in a normal year there are around 15,000 in the first six months.
Dengue fever, which is a recurring problem in Sri Lanka, causes fevers, headaches, muscle pain and rashes.
The island’s government launched a campaign to stamp out dengue fever a year ago after a similar spike in new cases was reported. It attempted to destroy breeding areas, educate people about the disease and it threatened legal action against residents maintaining environments suitable for breeding of the disease in their own homes.
However, the Foreign Office said there have been 19,419 suspected cases so far this year, with all regions affected. It said visitors should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitos.
