Worst dengue epidemic in a decade hits Sri Lanka; military deployed against mosquitoes

Sri Lanka is grappling with its most severe dengue fever outbreak in ten years, reporting over 76,000 infections and 53 fatalities. The nation's healthcare system is strained to its limits as it confronts the escalating crisis.

The current epidemic's scale is approaching that of 2017, when more than 100,000 people were infected. In the first half of July alone, over 18,000 new infections were confirmed, following more than 21,500 in June. Health officials attribute the sharp rise in cases to a more aggressive strain of the dengue virus, DENV-2, which is linked to about 75% of the current infections.

Dengue fever, a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes, typically causes high fever and muscle aches. "There are very many patients, and the course of the disease is severe for many of them," admitted Kapila Kannangara from the National Dengue Control Center. Hospitals are rapidly adding beds and converting wards to manage the patient load, while those with milder symptoms are being sent home.

In response, authorities have enlisted the military. The air force is deploying drones to pinpoint stagnant water sources where mosquitoes breed, and soldiers are assisting in house-to-house inspections. Nearly 11,000 potential breeding sites have been cleared, and over 4,000 fines have been issued. Experts, however, fear that the number of cases may temporarily decrease in August but could surge again in November with the onset of the next rainy season.

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There are very many patients, and the course of the disease is severe for many of them.