August 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has recorded 86,386 dengue infections so far in 2026, with the disease continuing to spread across the country, according to the latest statistics released by the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU).
The figures reveal that 1,034 new cases have already been detected during the opening days of August, indicating that transmission remains active despite ongoing control and prevention efforts.
Monthly data show that July was the worst-affected month of the year, with 29,978 cases reported nationwide. June registered the second-highest monthly total at 21,533 infections, while 8,590 cases were recorded in May, highlighting the sharp increase in dengue transmission during the recent monsoon period.
Gampaha District continues to be the country’s largest dengue hotspot, accounting for 18,321 cases, or 21.21 per cent of the national total. Colombo follows closely with 17,101 reported infections, while Kandy has recorded 6,032 cases. Matara and Kalutara have also experienced significant outbreaks, reporting 5,848 and 5,633 cases respectively.
At the other end of the scale, Mullaitivu has reported the fewest dengue infections this year, with only 55 confirmed cases.
Province-wise, the Western Province remains the epicentre of the outbreak, contributing 45,675 cases, representing 52.87 per cent of all infections reported nationwide. The Southern Province has registered 12,969 cases, accounting for 15.01 per cent of the total, while the Central Province has reported 7,567 infections.
In response to the continued rise in cases, health authorities have identified 137 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions across the island as high-risk dengue areas, where surveillance and mosquito control measures are expected to be intensified.
The NDCU also confirmed that 62 dengue-related deaths have been reported so far this year. Despite the increase in infections, the case fatality rate remains relatively low at 0.07 per cent, although health officials continue to urge the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and seek early medical attention if symptoms develop.