Dengue deaths in 2026 top 50, surpassing 2025’s total of 29

• 175 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas identified as high-risk 

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

Sri Lanka has recorded 50 dengue-related deaths in the first seven months of 2026, already exceeding the 29 deaths reported during the whole of 2025, as the country’s dengue outbreak continues to worsen with infections climbing to 73,455. 

According to the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU), 50 dengue-related deaths have been reported as of July 16 this year, compared to 29 deaths recorded during the entirety of 2025. 

The country has also recorded 73,455 dengue infections so far this year, with the official case fatality rate standing at 0.07%, reflecting the scale of the outbreak. 

The Western Province continues to be the worst-affected region, accounting for more than half of all reported cases with 38,700 infections. Gampaha District has recorded the highest number of cases at 15,341, followed by Colombo with 14,625.

Furthermore, the Southern Province has reported 11,382 cases, while both the Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces have each exceeded 6,000 infections. 

Health authorities said the outbreak has escalated rapidly over the past two months. June alone recorded 21,538 cases, while July has already added 18,076 cases by mid-month. In comparison, 8,590 cases were reported in May and 5,651 in April. 

Moreover, the NDCU has identified 175 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas as high-risk during Epidemiological Week 27, with an average of 2,677 new cases being reported daily. 

Health officials continue to urge the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, seek early medical attention for persistent fever and cooperate with vector control programmes.