Sri Lanka dengue outbreak overwhelms health system

Sri Lanka is confronting a severe dengue epidemic that has infected close to 70,000 people this year. The National Dengue Control Unit reported 69,951 cases as of July 13, with the Western Province accounting for more than half of the total. Hospitals across the island are operating beyond capacity, facing shortages of testing kits, IV fluids and staff, while the surge strains an already under‑funded public‑health system.

Health officials have urged citizens to eliminate standing water and seek prompt medical care for fever and severe headaches. Medical professionals and opposition politicians are calling for an emergency government response, including additional resources for hospitals and intensified mosquito‑control measures, to prevent further deterioration of the crisis.