Sri Lanka Dengue Crisis: Cases Surge Dramatically

Sri Lanka is currently confronting a severe dengue fever outbreak, with official reports indicating more than 44,000 cases and 28 fatalities since the beginning of the year. This surge has placed significant pressure on public hospitals across the nation. Authorities attribute the heightened outbreak to a combination of factors, including unplanned urban development and environmental damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah in late November.

The severity of the situation is underscored by a near doubling of cases from April to the first two weeks of June, with over half originating from the western region, including Colombo. Health officials project that infections may continue to rise for at least another two weeks before subsiding. Special cleanup programs are underway in schools, homes, and public buildings to combat mosquito breeding grounds.