Biological control of dengue epidemic in Sri Lanka

In 2025, Sri Lanka faced a dengue epidemic characterized by a hotspot pattern influenced by urbanization, climate, and human mobility. Colombo remained the country's strongest hotspot, with dense housing clusters, construction activity, and high human movement creating ideal conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito to thrive. Gampaha and Kalutara formed a continuous coastal-urban dengue belt, sharing similar environmental and demographic characteristics that contributed to the spread of the virus.

Kandy, with its hillside urbanization and household water storage practices, also experienced elevated transmission. Kurunegala emerged as a major inland hotspot due to its role as a transportation hub and rapid suburban growth, while Batticaloa and Trincomalee saw rising case numbers linked to rapid development and monsoon-driven breeding cycles.

Jaffna faced periodic spikes due to climate variability and urban expansion. Despite extensive public health campaigns, dengue continued to return with alarming regularity due to the resilient nature of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which adapts efficiently to Sri Lanka's climate and human environments. Biological control methods introduced internationally offered new possibilities for dengue control in the future.