Sri Lanka is in the throes of a severe and rapidly escalating dengue crisis, with health authorities declaring a "dengue hyper-epidemic". As of July 12th, the cumulative number of cases for the year has surged to 68,672, accompanied by 47 deaths. The current situation is predicted to be even more severe than the benchmark epidemic of 2017, with daily new cases frequently exceeding 1,000.
The surge is largely attributed to the spread of a new virus strain, Dengue Virus Serotype 2 (DENV-2), which has rendered a larger portion of the population susceptible. This, combined with unfavorable weather conditions, has led to a significant increase in mosquito breeding grounds. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the principal vector, and its population increases consistently precede major outbreaks. Mosquito larvae density, measured by the Breteau Index, has seen an alarming fivefold increase in some areas, reaching 25 compared to a normal level of around 5. Poor waste management by local government bodies is also a significant contributing factor, creating ideal breeding sites.
The epidemic's impact is widespread across the island. The Western Province accounts for over 52% of all cases, with 36,118 infections. Within this province, Gampaha district has reported the highest number of cases at 14,112, closely followed by Colombo with 13,791 cases. Other severely affected regions include the Southern Province with 10,765 cases (including Galle with 3,819, Matara with 4,699, and Hambantota with 1,854), the Sabaragamuwa Province with 5,807 cases, and the Central Province (Kandy District) with 5,681 cases. Health authorities have identified 175 high-risk Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions and 538 Grama Niladhari divisions across 14 districts, with specific areas like Maharagama, Panadura, Biyagama, Ratnapura Municipal Council areas, Kadawatha, Piliyandala, and Moratuwa noted for rapid spread.
The progression of the epidemic has been alarming:
* April: 5,651 cases
* May: 8,590 cases
* June: A staggering 21,538 cases were reported.
* July: The first 12 days of July alone saw 13,293 cases, indicating a continued rapid increase.
School children are particularly vulnerable, with pediatricians advising parents to seek dengue testing for children within 48 hours of fever onset. The escalating number of patients has led to hospitals reaching maximum capacity, with reports indicating two to three dengue patients sharing a single bed in some facilities. The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) and the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) have warned that the entire hospital system faces a severe risk of collapse if the situation is not controlled. Notably, 30 of the 47 deaths have been among women. The academic community has also been affected, with 71 students at Colombo University contracting dengue (5 requiring hospitalization), leading to some faculties adopting online or hybrid lecture formats. The University of Moratuwa has been temporarily closed due to the escalating dengue risk.
In response to the crisis, a large-scale three-day special mosquito control program commenced on June 24th, focusing on approximately 600 Grama Niladhari divisions and 112 MOH divisions experiencing rapid dengue spread. This operation, which concluded on June 26th, saw Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) granted nationwide authority to conduct inspections and eliminate breeding sites. The program specifically targeted all schools, preschools, and educational institutions, as well as government institutions and religious places, which have been identified as high-risk categories. Inspections are also underway in government and private offices. A new special mosquito control program is set to commence on July 14th in 60 high-risk zones identified across 11 districts, with 23 of these located in the Western Province.
Dr. Kapila Kannangara, Acting Director of the NDCU, emphasized that the public does not fully grasp the severity of the risk. To aid in reporting breeding sites, a new hotline, 0117 966 366, has been introduced. Health authorities are also urging the public not to hide dengue diagnoses and to promptly inform Public Health Inspectors, as some individuals are reportedly concealing results from private laboratory tests. Experts continue to stress the urgent need to strengthen preventive measures to curb the escalating spread and prevent the situation from worsening further, particularly warning that the next two weeks are extremely dangerous for dengue spread due to increased mosquito larvae density.