The Health Promotion Bureau has issued a nationwide awareness message urging families to act immediately against the rising threat of dengue, as the disease continues to spread rapidly across the country.

The Bureau stressed that households and workplaces must not allow mosquitoes any breeding space, calling on the public to check and eliminate water‑collecting spots at least once a week. 

Areas highlighted include gardens and surroundings such as flower pots, coconut shells, tyres, plastic and yogurt cups, empty bottles and tins; indoor sites like household flower pots, refrigerator trays, buckets and barrels; roof gutters blocked with leaves; and workplaces or schools where stagnant water may accumulate.

Officials warned that fever lasting more than 48 hours should not be taken lightly, as it could indicate dengue.

They urged immediate medical consultation, particularly for high‑risk groups such as pregnant mothers, small children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.

The Health Promotion Bureau stressed that prevention is critical, noting that protecting the environment today is far better than suffering after illness strikes. (Newswire)

The post Health Promotion Bureau urges immediate action as Dengue risk escalates appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka’s Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) has requested the younger generation to undergo tests for Thalassemia before marriage.

Addressing the media, an HPB official outlined the details and tests available to detect the blood disorder, which results in an inadequate amount of haemoglobin in the body.

The HPB official said a full blood count could help detect Thalassemia, which is passed down through families (inherited).

“These tests done by young people before marriage can help prevent their children from inheriting the blood disorder. The younger generation is advised to undergo tests for Thalassemia,” the official added. (Newswire)

The Health Promotion Bureau has requested the young generation to undergo tests for Thalassemia before marriage, outlining the details and tests available to detect the blood disorder, which results in an inadequate amount of haemoglobin in the body. pic.twitter.com/dhGbT0vgru

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) May 16, 2025

The post Young couples urged to test for Thalassemia before marriage appeared first on Newswire.

The Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) has advised the public against consuming Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the event of continuing fever or prior to checking the cause of the illness.

Addressing the media today, a representative of the HPB warned that there was a significant increase in dengue cases and dengue-related deaths in Sri Lanka at present.

The HPB official revealed that several dengue-related deaths had been caused due to the consumption of NSAID-type medicine, especially painkillers.

The official requested the public to refrain from using NSAID-type medicine instead of paracetamol and to question their doctors when prescribed painkillers for fever. 

“The use of NSAID-type medicines can pose a threat to the life of a patient if they are diagnosed with dengue,” he warned. 

The HPB official highlighted that NSAID-type medicines manufactured under several brand names such as Ibuprofen, Mefenamic acid, Indomethacin, Naproxen, Celecoxib and Aspirin, are widely used in Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

The post Dengue : Public warned not to take painkillers for fever appeared first on Newswire.