Dengue death toll rises to 68 in Sri Lanka as cases cross 91,000

The dengue death toll in Sri Lanka in 2026 has climbed to 68 with the number of infections surging past 91,000 as of yesterday (12), according to the latest figures from the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU).

The latest NaDSys surveillance data show 91,059 dengue cases have been reported across the country so far in 2026, with 5,714 cases recorded in August alone.

July was the worst month so far this year, accounting for 29,971 cases, highlighting the intensity of the current outbreak, according to the NDCU.

The case fatality rate stands at 0.075 percent, according to the latest surveillance figures.

119 MOH areas classified as high risk

The dengue threat remains widespread with health officials classifying 119 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas as high risk.

The average dengue case total during the week was 1,509, indicating that transmission remains at a high level across the country.

Gampaha, Colombo lead case count

Gampaha remains the worst-affected district, recording 19,406 cases, equivalent to 21.31 percent of the national total.

It is followed closely by Colombo, which has recorded 18,101 cases, accounting for 19.88 percent.

Together, the two districts have reported more than 37,500 cases, representing over 41 percent of all dengue infections recorded nationally in 2026.

With the death toll continuing to rise and more than 100 MOH areas now designated high risk, health authorities have urged the general public to remain vigilant and intensify efforts to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites.