Sri Lanka dengue cases exceed 90,000 amid severe outbreak

Sri Lanka is experiencing a severe dengue epidemic, with confirmed cases surpassing 90,000 in 2026. The National Dengue Control Unit reported 90,695 cases as of mid-August, following significant surges in June and July.

The Western Province is the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for over 52% of all cases. The districts of Gampaha and Colombo are the most heavily impacted, together contributing nearly 40% of the national total. Other high-burden areas include Kandy, Matara, and Kalutara.

Health officials have identified the DENV-2 strain as a primary driver of the epidemic, noting that it accounts for approximately 75% of cases and is linked to more severe illness. The surge has placed immense strain on the public health system, forcing hospitals to convert wards and extend staff working hours to manage the influx of patients.

To date, the outbreak has resulted in at least 65 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 0.07%. In response, the government has deployed military personnel and drones to assist in eliminating mosquito breeding sites and intensifying community-level prevention measures.