Sunday, June 21, 2026- Sri Lanka is facing a rapidly worsening dengue fever outbreak, with health authorities reporting more than 44,000 infections and 28 deaths since the beginning of 2026.
The sharp rise in cases has placed significant pressure on public hospitals, particularly in the western region, including Colombo, where the highest concentration of patients has been recorded.
Health officials warn that infections continue to climb as favorable conditions for mosquito breeding persist across several districts.
The situation has become increasingly urgent as dengue cases nearly doubled between April and the first half of June.
Experts link the surge to environmental factors, including debris and standing water left behind after severe weather events, which have created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Authorities expect transmission to remain elevated in the coming weeks, raising concerns about the healthcare system's ability to manage a further increase in patients.
In response, the government has launched nationwide cleanup campaigns targeting schools, homes, construction sites, and public facilities to eliminate mosquito breeding areas. The outbreak highlights the importance of community action, public awareness, and preventive measures to reduce infections.
As Sri Lanka works to contain the spread, health officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and actively support efforts aimed at protecting public health and preventing the crisis from escalating further.
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