Sri Lanka’s Dengue Cases Cross 79,000 as Outbreak Intensifies

COLOMBO, Jul 23: Sri Lanka has recorded more than 79,000 dengue cases so far this year, with a sharp increase reported in July, according to the latest data from the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU).

The country recorded 79,016 dengue cases, including 23,641 cases in July alone as of data released on July 22.

Monthly figures show a significant rise in infections, with 21,534 cases reported in June and 8,590 cases in May. Earlier in the year, Sri Lanka recorded 7,866 cases in January, 5,721 in February, and fewer than 6,000 cases each in March and April.

The highest number of cases has been reported in Gampaha District, with 16,676 infections, accounting for around 21.1% of the national total. Colombo District follows with 15,748 cases (19.9%).

Other heavily affected districts include:

The Colombo Municipal Council area alone has reported 3,184 dengue cases.

Provincial data shows the Western Province remains the worst-affected region, accounting for 41,753 cases (52.8%) of the country’s total infections. The Southern Province recorded 12,041 cases (15.2%), while the Central Province and Sabaragamuwa Province reported more than 6,500 cases each.

Sri Lanka has reported 57 dengue-related deaths in 2026, with a case fatality rate of 0.07%.

Health authorities have identified 175 high-risk Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas during Week 29, with an average of approximately 2,391 new dengue cases recorded daily.

Officials have urged the public to strengthen preventive measures, including eliminating mosquito breeding sites, as authorities intensify vector control efforts to contain the outbreak.