Sri Lanka’s dengue outbreak has escalated sharply, with the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) reporting 76,044 cases nationwide as of midnight on 19 July 2026.
Daily surveillance shows 2,652 new patients were recorded on July 19 alone, while 162 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions remain classified as high‑risk zones.
Monthly figures highlight the surge: May recorded 8,590 cases, June 21,537, and July has already reached 20,666 cases within just 19 days.
Earlier months saw lower totals, with January at 7,866, February 5,721, March 6,013, and April 5,651.
The NDCU confirmed 53 dengue‑related deaths this year, with a case fatality rate of 0.07%.
At provincial level, the Western Province remains the epicenter, accounting for 52.61% of all infections (31,220 cases). The Southern Province follows with 11,645 cases (19.62%), while the Central Province has 5,241 cases (8.67%).
District‑wise, Gampaha (15,910 cases) and Colombo (15,310 cases) are the hardest hit, together representing over 40% of the national burden. Other high‑impact districts include Matara (5,319 cases), Kalutara (4,960), Ratnapura (4,260), and Galle (4,206).
Health authorities continue to urge the public to keep surroundings clean and to seek immediate medical treatment if fever symptoms appear, stressing that unchecked mosquito breeding remains the primary driver of the surge. (Newswire)
