August 13, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s dengue outbreak has intensified, with the number of reported infections exceeding 91,000 and the death toll reaching 68 so far this year, according to the latest figures released by the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU).
Data from the National Dengue Surveillance System (NaDSys) indicate that 91,059 cases had been recorded across the country by August 12, including 5,714 infections reported during the first 12 days of August.
July emerged as the most severe month of the year to date, with 29,971 cases recorded during the month. The figures underline the continuing scale of dengue transmission despite ongoing efforts to control the spread of the disease.
The latest surveillance data put Sri Lanka’s dengue case fatality rate at 0.075 per cent.
Health authorities have identified 119 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas as high-risk zones, reflecting the widespread nature of the outbreak.
An average of 1,509 dengue cases was recorded during the latest week, suggesting that transmission remains persistently high in several parts of the country.
Gampaha has recorded the highest number of infections, with 19,406 cases, accounting for 21.31 per cent of the national total. Colombo follows with 18,101 cases, representing 19.88 per cent.
Combined, the two districts account for more than 37,500 infections, or over 41 per cent of all cases reported nationwide this year.
With dengue continuing to place pressure on the country’s public health system, officials are urging residents to take greater precautions, particularly by removing stagnant water and other potential mosquito-breeding grounds around homes, workplaces and public spaces.
Authorities have also stressed the importance of seeking medical attention promptly when dengue symptoms develop, as the continued rise in infections and fatalities highlights the seriousness of the current outbreak.
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