Dengue cases surpass 53,000 mark

Colombo, June 29 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka has recorded more than 53,000 dengue cases so far this year, with health authorities warning of a significant spike in infections following increased rainfall during June.

According to the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU), 19,318 dengue cases were reported in June alone, bringing the cumulative number of infections to 53,159 by the 25th epidemiological week of 2026. 

The outbreak has also claimed 31 lives this year.

Health officials said monthly dengue cases had remained below 10,000 during the first five months of 2026, but June recorded a sharp increase, raising concerns over the rapid spread of the mosquito-borne disease.