Sri Lanka has recorded 79,016 dengue cases so far this year, with July alone accounting for 23,641 cases, according to the latest data of the National Dengue Control Unit, released at midnight on July 22.
The figures show a sharp rise compared to earlier months, with 21,534 cases in June, 8,590 in May, and fewer than 6,000 cases each in March and April. January reported 7,866 cases, while February saw 5,721.
District‑wise, Gampaha leads with 16,676 cases (21.1%), followed by Colombo at 15,748 (19.9%). Other high‑burden districts include Matara (5,495), Kandy (5,318), Kalutara (5,190), Ratnapura (4,444), and Galle (4,391). The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) area alone reported 3,184 cases.
Provincial data highlights the Western Province as the epicenter, contributing 41,753 cases (52.8%) of the national total. The Southern Province follows with 12,041 cases (15.2%), while Central (6,699) and Sabaragamuwa (6,599) provinces each account for over 8% of the caseload.
So far in 2026, a total of 57 dengue‑related deaths have been reported, with a case fatality rate of 0.07%. Authorities have identified 175 high‑risk MOH areas during Week 29, with an average of 2,391 new cases per day.
Health officials warn that the continuing surge underscores the urgent need for intensified vector control measures and public cooperation to curb the spread of dengue across the island. (Newswire)
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