Sri Lanka has enlisted the support of its armed forces in an escalating battle against dengue fever as a sharp rise in infections places growing pressure on hospitals across the country.
Health authorities warned on Tuesday that medical facilities are already struggling to cope, with more than 1,000 dengue-related admissions being recorded daily amid one of the country's most concerning outbreaks in recent years.
In response, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has authorised the army, navy and air force to join a special task force aimed at tracking down and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds. The move forms part of a broader national effort to halt the spread of the disease before the situation worsens further.
Officials say nearly 50,000 dengue cases have already been reported this year, resulting in 29 deaths. Although the figures remain below the devastating 2017 outbreak, when more than 186,000 infections and 440 deaths were recorded, public health experts fear the current trend could overwhelm healthcare services if left unchecked.
Dengue fever, which is spread by the Aedes mosquito, can cause severe fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting and intense muscle pain. In serious cases, patients may suffer internal bleeding and life-threatening complications. The mosquito responsible for transmission thrives in stagnant water, making flooded areas and poorly managed waste sites ideal breeding environments.
Authorities have linked the recent surge in infections to seasonal rains, flooding and the accumulation of waste, all of which have contributed to a rise in mosquito populations. Hospitals in several parts of the country are already reporting increased patient numbers, prompting concerns about their ability to manage a further spike in admissions.
As part of the emergency response, military personnel will work alongside public health inspectors, local authorities and community volunteers to identify and destroy mosquito breeding sites. A nationwide clean-up campaign is also being launched, while stricter enforcement measures will target property owners who fail to eliminate conditions that allow mosquitoes to breed.
The government has urged residents to inspect homes, schools and workplaces regularly for standing water and to take preventive measures to reduce mosquito activity. Officials insist that community participation will be crucial if the country is to avoid a repeat of previous large-scale outbreaks.
The outbreak comes amid growing international concern over the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. The World Health Organization has previously warned that climate change is helping diseases such as dengue expand into new regions and affect larger populations.
For many Sri Lankan families, however, the crisis is no longer a future threat but a daily reality. With hospitals under mounting strain and infections continuing to climb, the race to contain the disease has become a matter of urgency.
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