My hotel in Colombo has mosquitos in the lobby. Is Dengue high right now?

Question

We are finishing our trip in Colombo. Our hotel is nice, but the lobby and pool area have a lot of mosquitos.

I heard there is a "Dengue Outbreak" in the Western Province after the rains. How worried should we be? Should we just stay in our room?

Viraj Perera · Answer

Yes, the post-monsoon rains in January always trigger a spike in Dengue cases in Colombo and Gampaha.

**Risk Level:** Moderate to High. It is not a reason to panic, but it is a reason to be annoying about repellent.

**The "Daytime" Biter:** Remember, the Aedes mosquito bites during the day (especially morning and late afternoon). Don't just spray at night.

**Action:**

Ask the hotel for a mosquito coil or vaporizer for your room.

Wear Deet/Odomos when sitting in the lobby or by the pool.

If you dine outdoors in Colombo (like at Park Street Mews or Dutch Hospital), spray your ankles under the table. That is the prime attack zone.

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