June 21, Colombo (LNW): Health authorities have raised concerns over the worsening dengue situation across Sri Lanka, with the number of Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions considered vulnerable to a major outbreak rising to 112.
Officials monitoring the spread of the disease report that several densely populated areas are experiencing a sharp increase in infections, with the Maharagama MOH division currently recording one of the highest case loads in the country. Rapid transmission has also been observed in parts of the Kalutara and Gampaha districts, prompting intensified surveillance and control efforts.
Public health experts have identified several districts, including Colombo District, Gampaha District, Matara District, Galle District, Kandy District, Ratnapura District and Kalutara District, as the areas most severely affected by the current wave of infections.
Specialists have acknowledged that extensive mosquito-control campaigns and awareness programmes are being carried out nationwide. However, they warn that these efforts are often undermined by the failure to remove stagnant water and other mosquito breeding sites from residential and commercial premises.
Residents have been urged to dedicate time to cleaning their surroundings and inspecting their properties for potential breeding grounds, particularly in light of recent weather conditions that can accelerate mosquito population growth. Health officials caution that without greater public participation, the number of infections could rise significantly in the coming weeks.
The growing outbreak is also placing additional strain on the healthcare system. Several hospitals, particularly in heavily affected districts, are reportedly facing increasing pressure as dengue-related admissions continue to climb. Some wards have reached or are nearing full capacity, raising concerns about resource availability if case numbers continue to increase.
More than 45,000 dengue infections have been reported nationwide since the beginning of the year, marking a noticeable surge compared with previous periods. Although the latest island-wide dengue eradication campaign has officially concluded, Public Health Inspectors are expected to maintain inspections and enforcement activities in identified hotspots.
Authorities continue to emphasise that long-term control of dengue depends not only on government action but also on community responsibility. Households, businesses and institutions are being encouraged to take proactive measures to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and help curb the spread of the disease before the situation deteriorates further.