Dengue Surge Overwhelms Sri Lankan Hospitals Amidst Rising Cases and Deaths

Sri Lanka is grappling with a severe dengue outbreak that has overwhelmed hospital capacity, with health officials reporting a significant rise in cases and fatalities. Over 5,000 dengue cases were recorded in the first 10 days of June alone, a figure exceeding last month's total by over 50%. The cumulative number of reported cases has reached 41,144, with daily figures peaking at around 750, though recently reduced to approximately 630. Tragically, 24 deaths have been attributed to dengue, including five school students, and the Western Province accounts for 51% of all reported cases. In response to the escalating crisis, a Dengue Control Week will be implemented from June 15th to 20th.