July 20, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has recorded more than 76,000 dengue infections so far this year, with health authorities warning that the disease continues to spread rapidly across many parts of the country.
According to the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU), the cumulative number of reported cases has reached 76,044, including 2,652 infections confirmed on Saturday (19) alone.
The latest surveillance data show that 162 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions remain classified as high-risk areas, prompting officials to maintain heightened disease control and mosquito eradication efforts.
The number of infections has risen sharply in recent months, highlighting the growing public health concern. The NDCU recorded 8,590 cases in May, while the figure climbed dramatically to 21,537 in June. During the first 19 days of July, a further 20,666 cases were reported, indicating that the outbreak has shown little sign of slowing.
The disease has claimed 53 lives this year, with the current case fatality rate standing at 0.07 per cent.
The Western Province continues to account for the largest share of infections, reporting 40,009 cases, or just over half of the national total. The Southern Province has recorded 11,707 cases, followed by the Central Province with 6,431 infections.
Among individual districts, Gampaha has reported the highest number of dengue cases at 15,910, narrowly ahead of Colombo District with 15,110 infections. Of the Colombo total, 3,073 cases have been reported within the Colombo Municipal Council limits. Matara has registered 5,330 cases, while Kandy and Kalutara have reported 5,111 and 5,010 cases respectively.
Health authorities have renewed their appeal to the public to eliminate stagnant water and other mosquito breeding sites around homes and workplaces, particularly as persistent rainy weather creates favourable conditions for the spread of the disease. Residents have also been advised to seek prompt medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, severe headache or body aches, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.
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