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๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Singapore /Conflict & Security

Sri Lanka troops to battle deadly dengue mosquitoes as cases rise

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • Sri Lanka is intensifying efforts to combat a deadly dengue fever outbreak, with nearly 50,000 cases reported in 2026.
  • The Ministry of Health has deployed troops to assist in mosquito control measures across affected regions.
  • The rising number of cases and fatalities highlights the urgent public health challenge posed by the disease.

Sri Lanka is mobilizing its military to fight a severe dengue fever outbreak that has already sickened nearly 50,000 people and caused 29 deaths this year. Troops have been deployed to assist in widespread mosquito control operations across the island nation.

The Ministry of Health is intensifying its efforts to curb the spread of the mosquito-borne disease, which typically sees a surge during the monsoon season. Health officials are urging the public to take preventive measures, such as clearing stagnant water sources where mosquitoes breed.

The escalating dengue cases present a significant public health challenge for Sri Lanka, straining healthcare resources and posing a threat to communities. The coordinated response involving military personnel underscores the severity of the outbreak and the government's commitment to controlling the disease.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.