Sri Lanka, May 3 -- Sri Lankan health officials have warned the public about the dangers of treating chikungunya without proper diagnosis, as it can be life-threatening for dengue patients.

With both diseases spreading fast due to the rainy season, they urge people to seek medical help early.

Meanwhile, the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has confirmed that more than 17,000 dengue cases have been recorded so far this year.

Dr. Kalukapuarachchi revealed that over 50 percent of dengue cases reported across the country are from the Western Province.

Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer of Health at the CMC, Dr. Geethika Ratnawardena, stated that 1,800 of these cases were reported within the CMC area.

She added that 70,000 houses identifi...