Sri Lanka warns of rising dengue risk as cases near 9,500
COLOMBO – Sri Lankan health authorities have warned of a potential surge in dengue infections with the approaching Southwest Monsoon, as the number of reported cases this year climbed to 9,480.
The National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) of the Ministry of Health said the combination of increased rainfall and stagnant water could accelerate mosquito breeding and drive up transmission in the coming weeks.
Officials noted that the Western Province has recorded the highest caseload so far, accounting for more than half of the total infections reported nationwide. Other districts are also reporting a steady rise in suspected and confirmed cases, prompting heightened surveillance and preparedness measures.
In response, the Ministry of Health is set to launch a nationwide dengue prevention and control campaign aimed at reducing mosquito breeding sites and raising public awareness.
Health authorities have urged the public to eliminate stagnant water around homes and workplaces, including in discarded containers, gutters and construction sites, which can serve as breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes that transmit dengue.
Dengue remains a year-round endemic threat in Sri Lanka, with periodic surges that can escalate rapidly, including more than 2,000 cases reported within the first nine days of 2026. Although transmission persists throughout the year, infection rates typically peak during the monsoon seasons, when heavy rainfall creates ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes. High-risk zones frequently include the Western Province, which consistently records the highest caseload.
Health officials stressed that early preventive action, sustained vector-control measures and active community participation are essential to containing outbreaks and preventing additional strain on the healthcare system.
-ENCL
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