The mosquito larval density in Sri Lanka’s Western Province has increased significantly, making the next two weeks a critical period for dengue transmission, Specialist Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, a member of the Expert Committee on Dengue Management, has warned.
Speaking on the Derana BIG FOCUS programme, Dr. Wijewickrama said the current dengue outbreak has the potential to become more severe than the epidemic experienced in 2017, citing the rapid spread of the disease.
He also revealed that hospitals across the Western Province are operating beyond capacity due to the surge in dengue patients, with some facilities forced to accommodate two or three patients on a single bed.
Meanwhile, Professor Neelika Malavige of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura explained that dengue cases typically rise during the southwest monsoon from May to July and the northeast monsoon from November to January.
She said early warning signs of the current outbreak had already been observed in December and January, while the unusually high temperatures experienced in February, March and April following Cyclone Ditwah temporarily slowed mosquito breeding.
Professor Malavige noted that three dengue vaccines have been approved in countries including Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. However, she stressed that several factors must be carefully assessed before introducing a dengue vaccination programme in Sri Lanka.
She explained that the vaccine requires two doses and would not provide an immediate solution during an ongoing outbreak, as immunity takes time to develop. However, studies have shown the vaccine to be effective among individuals who have previously been infected with dengue.
According to the latest health data, Sri Lanka has recorded 66,064 dengue cases so far this year, while the death toll has risen to 46.
A total of 10,685 cases have been reported during the first nine days of July alone, including 1,030 new infections reported yesterday.
The Western Province accounts for 52.7% of all dengue cases reported nationwide. Gampaha District has now overtaken Colombo as the district with the highest number of reported infections.
In response to the escalating situation, special dengue control operations continued in several parts of the country today with the participation of the tri-forces and public health authorities.