Sri Lanka Deploys Military as Worst Dengue Outbreak in a Decade Surges

Authorities in Sri Lanka have mobilized the military to combat a severe dengue epidemic that has infected over 76,000 people and claimed 53 lives, marking the worst outbreak in ten years.

Rising Infection Rates

As of Tuesday, July 21, Reuters reported that Sri Lanka has recorded more than 76,000 dengue cases and 53 deaths. July saw over 18,000 new infections, following 21,500 cases in June, pushing the current epidemic toward the scale of the 2017 outbreak, which saw over 100,000 infections.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease characterized by high fever and muscle pain. A more virulent strain, DENV-2, is responsible for approximately 75 percent of the recent surge in cases.

Healthcare System Strain

Kapila Kannangara of the National Dengue Control Unit confirmed that patient volume is extremely high, with many suffering from severe symptoms. Hospitals are scrambling to add beds and repurpose wards, while patients with milder symptoms are being sent home to manage the overcrowding.

Military Intervention and Mosquito Control

The government has enlisted the military to help eradicate mosquito breeding grounds. The air force is using drones to locate standing water, while soldiers are conducting home inspections. Authorities have cleared nearly 11,000 potential breeding sites and issued over 4,000 fines.

Climate Change Links

Experts attribute the rising number of dengue cases to climate change. Dr. Joel Kaufman, an epidemiologist at the University of Washington, explained that heavy rainfall increases standing water, facilitating mosquito reproduction. He warned that this is one of the first signs of diseases becoming more frequent and severe as the planet warms.