Sri Lanka dengue outbreak tops 84,000 cases, death toll exceeds 60

Sri Lanka’s dengue epidemic has surged past 84,000 confirmed infections, with the National Dengue Control Unit reporting 84,724 cases nationwide as of late July 2026. The death toll has risen to at least 62, and the case‑fatality rate remains at roughly 0.07%.

July recorded a record 29,350 new infections, the highest monthly total for the year, following 21,533 cases in June. The Western Province continues to bear the greatest burden, accounting for over half of all cases, driven by the districts of Gampaha (approximately 17,970 cases) and Colombo (about 16,814 cases). Other heavily affected districts include Kandy and Kalutara, while the Southern Province, Sabaragamuwa and Central Province also show rising numbers. Health authorities have identified 175 high‑risk Medical Officer of Health areas during Week 29 and advise an average of 2,391 new cases daily.

Officials urge communities to eliminate mosquito‑breeding sites and intensify preventive measures as the outbreak spreads across the island.