Perceived Risk of Dengue in Ones' Living Environment as a Determinant of Behavior Change through Social Mobilization and Communication: Evidence from a High Risk Area in Sri Lanka.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess community knowledge and behavioral impact of the social mobilization and communication strategy applied in a dengue high-risk area in Sri Lanka.

Methods: A group of adults visiting selected primary care facilities in Colombo district were interviewed to collect socio-demographic data, attributes of knowledge regarding dengue and the responsive behaviors adopted by them following the dengue control program though the media and social marketing campaigns. These attributes were classified as 'good', 'fair,' or 'poor' by developing a composite scale for analysis and interpretation of data.

Malaria is an important differential diagnosis in visitors returning from Sri Lankan National Safari Parks.

Diagnostic confusion may occur between dengue and malaria when febrile patients with thrombocytopenia return from travel to previous malaria endemic areas. Laboratory tests should include blood smear examination for malaria parasites even though current malaria endemicity in Sri Lanka is low.