Sri Lanka records 18% drop in weekly dengue cases as infections top 86,000
COLOMBO – Sri Lanka recorded an 18% decline in dengue cases compared to the previous week, the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) said on Sunday (2), even as the country’s total caseload this year surpassed 86,000.
According to the latest NDCU data, 86,386 dengue cases and 62 related deaths have been reported so far in 2026, with 1,034 infections recorded during the first few days of August alone.
Health authorities said Gampaha continues to report the highest number of cases, accounting for 18,321 infections or 21.2% of the national total. Colombo follows with 17,101 cases, while Kandy (6,032), Matara (5,848) and Kalutara (5,633) complete the five most affected districts.
Mullaitivu has recorded the lowest number of infections this year, with 55 cases.
The Western Province remains the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for 45,675 cases, or nearly 53% of the national total. The Southern Province has reported 12,969 cases, followed by the Central Province with 7,567 infections.
Monthly figures show July recorded the highest number of cases this year, with 29,978 infections, compared to 21,533 in June and 8,590 in May.
The NDCU said 137 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions have been identified as high-risk dengue zones, with intensified vector-control activities continuing in those areas.
In view of the upcoming Grade Five Scholarship Examination and the GCE Advanced Level Examination, the unit has instructed health authorities to conduct mosquito-control programs at all schools designated as examination centres to minimise the risk of dengue transmission.
Despite the recent decline in weekly cases, health officials urged the public to remain vigilant by eliminating mosquito breeding sites and supporting ongoing prevention campaigns.
The NDCU said the dengue case fatality rate currently stands at 0.07%.
-ENCL
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