Dengue surge hits critical levels as high-risk zones expand

Health authorities identified 124 high-risk medical officers of health divisions across the country following a significant spike in cases. Assistant Secretary of the Government Medical Officers' Association, Chamil Wijesinghe, stated that 22,000 dengue patients were reported in June alone.

He explained that the onset of the southwest monsoon earlier this year created conditions conducive to a severe dengue outbreak, a trend previously forecasted for May, June, and July.

The current wave involves four distinct virus strains, with the second strain appearing to be the primary concern. This specific variant was responsible for the country's most severe outbreak in 2017 and saw a resurgence in 2022.

The situation remains dire as daily case counts have surpassed 1,000, reflecting a fourfold increase compared to last year. While 56,426 cases were officially recorded so far this year, the actual figure may be significantly higher.

Approximately 50% of these patients originate from the Western Province, affecting many individuals who contribute to the national economy.

Additional clusters are spreading through Galle, Matara, Ratnapura, and Kandy, with 35 deaths reported to date.

Eliminating mosquito breeding grounds remains the most effective method for containment, as Wijesinghe stressed that the current spread constitutes a major epidemic.