Dengue passes 1,000 cases daily

Colombo, June 23 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka is experiencing an unprecedented surge in dengue infections, with more than 1,000 cases reported within a single day.

According to the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU), 1,069 new dengue cases were reported in the 24-hour period that ended yesterday morning, bringing the total number of infections recorded so far this year to 47,179.

Health officials say the figures mark a significant increase compared to the corresponding periods in both 2024 and 2025.

Authorities have identified 112 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions as high-risk dengue zones.

Acting Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Kapila Kannangara, told Daily Mirror that the highest number of infections continues to be reported from the Maharagama MOH division, which remains the country’s worst-affected hotspot.

He added that dengue is also spreading rapidly in several other areas, including the districts of Matara, Galle and Ratnapura, as well as Panadura in the Kalutara District and Biyagama in the Gampaha District.

Dr. Kannangara noted that Sri Lanka typically records between 150 and 200 dengue cases a day during non-epidemic periods.

In light of the situation, health authorities have intensified surveillance and vector control measures in affected areas as the outbreak continues to spread.

Meanwhile, President of the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU), K.P. Boralessa, dismissed claims that Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) lack adequate support from local authorities, telling the Daily Mirror that PHIs are receiving sufficient assistance and funding to carry out dengue prevention programmes.

Given the situation, health officials urged the public to remain vigilant for dengue symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes and unusual bleeding.

They advised anyone experiencing warning signs such as persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding gums or extreme fatigue to seek immediate medical attention.

The public has also been urged to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by removing stagnant water from containers, cleaning gutters and drains, covering water storage tanks, disposing of discarded items that collect rainwater and using mosquito repellents, long-sleeved clothing and window screens to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.