May 27, Colombo: The Health Ministry today issued a strong warning to the public to be more vigilant as dengue fever has developed into an epidemic.

Dr. Paba Palihawadana, Director of the Epidemiology Unit, said there have been 75 deaths and over 5200 patients are infected with the dengue virus at the moment.

According to Dr. Palihawadana, the main reason for the sudden spread of the dengue virus is the recent bad weather in the country.

As a result of the rainy conditions, the spread of dengue has increased by 80%, she said.

Dr. Palihawadana pointed out that the situation has reached crisis levels due to the public’s lack of awareness of the need to destroy mosquito breeding grounds.

Colombo, Kandy, Kegalle, Batticaloa, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kurunegala, Matale, Hambantota, Anuradhapura and Matara are the worst affected districts.