Jan 01, Colombo: Sri Lanka's health officials today said that Chikungunya fever is spreading throughout the country at an unexpected rate.

Dr. Paba Palihawadana, Director of the Epidemic Disease Unit of the Health Ministry, confirmed that over 3000 Chikungunya cases have been reported from various parts of the country within the last week.

According the government statistics, the highest numbers of cases were reported from Embilipitiya, Monaragala, Polonnaruwa and Kalmunai.

Health officials have already initiated special safety measures to prevent an epidemic of Chikungunya in the Embilipitiya area of Ratnapura District.

Dr. Palihawadana urges the people to report to the nearest hospital if any person is suffering from fever.