Sri Lanka dengue cases surpass 91,000 as death toll rises to 68
COLOMBO – Sri Lanka’s dengue outbreak has intensified, with the number of infections surpassing 91,000 and the death toll rising to 68 so far this year, according to the latest figures released by the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU).
The Health Ministry’s NaDSys (National Dengue Surveillance System) surveillance data showed that 91,059 dengue cases had been reported across the country as of August 12, with 5,714 cases recorded during the first 12 days of August.
July was the worst-affected month so far this year, accounting for 29,971 cases, highlighting the sharp escalation in dengue transmission in recent months.
The latest figures put the dengue case fatality rate at 0.075%.
Health authorities have classified 119 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas as high-risk, reflecting the widespread nature of the outbreak.
An average of 1,509 dengue cases was recorded during the latest week, indicating that transmission continues at a high level in several parts of the country.
Gampaha district has recorded the highest number of dengue cases so far this year, with 19,406 infections, accounting for 21.31% of the national total.
Colombo follows with 18,101 cases, representing 19.88% of all infections reported nationally.
Together, Gampaha and Colombo have recorded 37,507 cases, accounting for more than 41% of the country’s total dengue infections in 2026.
With the death toll continuing to rise and transmission remaining elevated, health authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and take immediate measures to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around homes, workplaces and other public areas.
The authorities have also stressed the importance of seeking medical attention promptly when dengue symptoms develop, particularly during the current period of high transmission.
-ENCL
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