By The Pulseline News Desk
Sri Lanka’s dengue situation has entered a critical phase, with the number of reported cases rising to nearly 49,000 amid intensified warnings from health authorities that public awareness and preventive action remain inadequate.
Acting Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Kapila Kannangara, has said the country is still grappling with widespread mosquito breeding conditions, particularly during the ongoing southwest monsoon season, and stressed that community participation is essential to contain the spread.
He cautioned that despite repeated public health campaigns, many households and institutions continue to neglect basic preventive measures, allowing breeding sites to persist in urban and semi-urban areas.
Rising case load and public concern
Health officials note that the sharp increase in infections reflects both seasonal conditions and persistent environmental risk factors, including stagnant water accumulation, improper waste disposal and insufficient vector control in high-density settlements.
Dr. Kannangara has noted that while authorities are stepping up surveillance and control measures, the effectiveness of these efforts depends heavily on public cooperation at household level.
He also revealed that 47 complaints have been received through the Dengue Operations Room, indicating growing public concern over localised outbreaks and breeding hotspots.
The Operations Room can be reached via 0117 966 366 and operates from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. on weekdays and 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon on Saturdays. The hotline is being used to report mosquito breeding sites, obtain outbreak information and seek guidance on preventive actions.
Nationwide control programme underway
In response to the rising caseload, a three-day nationwide dengue control programme was launched on Wednesday (24) and is scheduled to continue until Friday (26).
The campaign is being implemented across 600 Grama Niladhari divisions, focusing on high-risk zones identified through epidemiological surveillance. Coordinated clean-up operations, inspections of breeding sites and public awareness activities are being carried out in collaboration with local authorities, health officials and community groups.
Officials said the programme is part of a broader strategy to intensify vector control efforts during the monsoon period, when dengue transmission typically accelerates due to favourable breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
Ongoing public health challenge
Sri Lanka has long struggled with periodic dengue outbreaks, with urban congestion and environmental management challenges contributing to recurring spikes in infections.
Health authorities continue to urge the public to take responsibility for eliminating breeding sites in and around homes, workplaces and public spaces, warning that government interventions alone are insufficient to contain the disease.
As case numbers approach the 50,000 mark, officials say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the outbreak can be contained or whether it will escalate further during the peak monsoon period.
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