According to the Ministry, the high risk MOH divisions are located in seven districts. They are Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Ratnapura and Kegalle districts. There is a significant increase in dengue deaths when comparing with the last year. Only 58 persons died from dengue in 2018.
The main reasons for dengue deaths are patients not seeking prompt medical treatment for fever and using Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac Sodium, Mefenamic Acid which are Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Steroids such as Prednisolone, Methyl-Prednisolone and Dexamethasone. These drugs cause Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) which can become fatal.