Sri Lanka reported nearly 50,000 dengue cases in 2024, with 24 fatalities and a case fatality rate of 0.05%. The Western Province accounted for 44.1% of cases. In January 2025 alone, 2,045 cases have already been recorded, highlighting ongoing public health challenges.
Sri Lanka faced a significant dengue outbreak in 2024, with nearly 50,000 reported cases and 24 fatalities, according to data from the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU), according to Xinxua. The case fatality rate was recorded at 0.05%, highlighting the persistent threat posed by the mosquito-borne disease.
The Western Province, the country’s most densely populated region, bore the brunt of the outbreak, accounting for 44.1% of cases. This trend continues into 2025, with 2,045 dengue cases already reported in January, signalling an ongoing challenge for public health authorities.
The NDCU is urging residents to remain vigilant and take preventive measures, such as eliminating stagnant water and using protective barriers, to reduce the spread of the Aedes mosquito, the primary carrier of dengue.
Health officials have also emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe complications. With rising numbers, dengue remains a critical health issue for Sri Lanka, necessitating collective action and public awareness to curb its impact.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Sri Lanka to strengthen ties and sign key agreements, including a defence pact and energy projects.
Thousands of visitors gathered in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, to see the spectacular annual spiritual festival. The streets came alive with elephants, vibrant lights, energetic dancers, and a display of tradition - making it a night to remember.
On the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, survivors and families across Southeast and South Asia gathered to honour the 230,000 victims. Memorials were held in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand, where emotional tributes and prayers were offered.
The IMF has approved the third review of Sri Lanka's $2.9 billion bailout, releasing $333 million in funding. While signs of economic recovery emerge, the country still faces critical debt restructuring challenges to move forward with the programme.
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that trade talks with China are underway, pushing back against Beijing’s claim that no consultations have occurred.
South Korea’s data protection authority said Thursday that Chinese AI startup DeepSeek transferred user information and prompt content abroad without user consent during its initial launch in the country.
The United States is preparing to offer over $100 billion in arms sales to Saudi Arabia, according to six sources familiar with the matter. The package is expected to be announced during President Donald Trump’s visit to the kingdom in May.
A 15-year-old boy killed a fellow pupil and wounded three others in a stabbing attack at a high school in the western French city of Nantes on Thursday before he was overpowered by teachers, police said.
“The EU will stand with Moldova in every step of the way until the very membership,” - stated Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission at her joint press-conference with the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Bulgaria has seen a sharp rise in diseases transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes, including Lyme disease and West Nile fever, with health authorities warning of an urgent need for stricter pest control measures.
Israeli and British scientists have developed a breakthrough blood test capable of detecting Parkinson’s disease in its earliest stages—before symptoms even begin—potentially revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment.
China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s Haishen Medical Technology Co has developed the world’s first emergency medical rescue drone to enhance disaster response capabilities in extreme environments.
The European Commission is preparing to adopt emergency measures to curb the spread of bird flu in Poland’s Masovian and Greater Poland regions, where 73 outbreaks have occurred in two months. These steps aim to protect public health and the poultry industry amid growing concerns.
Kyrgyzstan has joined the TB-Free Central Asia initiative, a regional effort launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) and five Central Asian countries to eliminate tuberculosis and drug-resistant TB by 2030.
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that trade talks with China are underway, pushing back against Beijing’s claim that no consultations have occurred.
South Korea’s data protection authority said Thursday that Chinese AI startup DeepSeek transferred user information and prompt content abroad without user consent during its initial launch in the country.
The United States is preparing to offer over $100 billion in arms sales to Saudi Arabia, according to six sources familiar with the matter. The package is expected to be announced during President Donald Trump’s visit to the kingdom in May.
A 15-year-old boy killed a fellow pupil and wounded three others in a stabbing attack at a high school in the western French city of Nantes on Thursday before he was overpowered by teachers, police said.
“The EU will stand with Moldova in every step of the way until the very membership,” - stated Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission at her joint press-conference with the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu.
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