Sri Lanka has recorded more than 53,000 dengue cases so far this year, with health authorities warning of a sharp increase in infections during the rainy month of June.
According to the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU), 19,318 cases were reported in June alone, bringing the cumulative number of dengue infections to 53,159 by the 25th epidemiological week of 2026.
The outbreak has claimed 31 lives this year.
Health officials noted that monthly dengue cases remained below 10,000 during the first five months of 2026. However, the significant rise in June has raised concerns over the continued spread of the mosquito-borne disease.
The Western Province remains the worst-affected region, reporting 27,833 cases, which account for 52.36 percent of the national total.
Meanwhile, 124 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions across the country have been identified as high-risk areas for dengue transmission.
Health authorities have urged the public to take immediate steps to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by cleaning their surroundings, removing stagnant water, and destroying mosquito larvae and pupae.
Officials emphasized that public participation remains crucial in controlling the spread of dengue, particularly during the ongoing rainy season, when conditions are favourable for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes.
