Sri Lanka, Nov. 20 -- Dengue fever plagues Sri Lanka annually, increasing after a rainfall when conditions are optimal for mosquito breeding. Climate fluctuations also accelerate the epidemic's spread and people must be mindful that dengue is again on the rise due to incessant rains during the last three months.
There has been a sharp increase in dengue cases and related deaths this year compared to last year. An island-wide toll of 72,085 cases and 90 deaths have been reported since January this year, alarming epidemiologists across the country.
The current outbreak is occurring amid heavy rains and flooding affecting 11 of the country's 25 districts. Heavy monsoonal rains, rain-soaked garbage, stagnant pools and other potential mosqui...