Actual dengue infections may have exceeded 100,000 despite 53,000 reported cases

• Number of reported cases only reflects patients who seek treatment at government hospitals
• There are also patients who seek treatment at private hospitals and other medical centres, whose data is not included in the national reporting system

By Sheain Fernandopulle

Sri Lanka’s actual dengue infections this year may have already exceeded 100,000, despite the official case count standing at just over 53,000, the Public Health Inspectors’ (PHI) Union said.  

Speaking to Daily Mirror, PHI Union President K.P. Boralessa said the number of reported cases only reflects patients who seek treatment at government hospitals.  

He said there are also patients who seek treatment at private hospitals and other medical centres, whose data is not included in the national reporting system.  

The PHI union head noted that although 53,159 dengue cases have been officially reported so far this year, the true number of infections is likely to be close to 100,000, as a large proportion of infected individuals never develop symptoms and therefore remain undetected.  

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa, told Daily Mirror that there could be over 100,000 dengue patients who remain undetected.  

According to him, around 75% to 80% of people infected with dengue recover without showing noticeable symptoms, mainly due to stronger immunity.

However, he said these asymptomatic individuals can still transmit the virus within the community, making them a significant source of infection.  

The warning comes as Sri Lanka continues to experience a sharp rise in dengue cases, with the National Dengue Control Unit reporting over 20,000 patients in June alone, pushing the cumulative total to 54,159 cases. The outbreak has claimed 31 lives so far.  

Health officials noted that monthly case numbers remained below 10,000 during the first five months of the year, but June recorded a dramatic surge following persistent rainy weather.  

Officials further said dengue has spread more rapidly this year than in previous years, overwhelming patient capacity at several hospitals and affecting 14 districts across the country.  

The worst-hit districts are Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Kandy, Matale, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Puttalam, Badulla and Batticaloa.  

Health authorities have urged the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, seek early medical attention if symptoms develop, and cooperate with health officials to help contain the outbreak.