Children under the age of 19 account for about 30% of the dengue cases reported across Sri Lanka this year, the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) has said, as the national total for 2026 climbed to 78,125.
Community Health Specialist Dr. Prasheela Samaraweera said the remaining patients are mostly aged between 20 and 65, according to NewsFirst. She added that the highest number of dengue-related deaths has been recorded among people aged over 65, underscoring that older patients face the greatest risk of severe illness even though younger people make up a large share of infections.
The NDCU said the spread of dengue remains high in 12 districts across the country. The Daily Mirror reported that the Gampaha District in the Western Province has recorded the highest caseload, with 16,798 infections.
The figures point to a disease that is affecting every age group, but in different ways: schoolchildren and young adults are driving case numbers, while the elderly are more likely to die from the infection.
Dengue is spread by the Aedes mosquito, which breeds in small collections of stagnant water. Health authorities have repeatedly urged households, schools and workplaces to clear discarded containers, blocked drains and other breeding sites, and to seek medical attention early if symptoms such as high fever, severe headache or body aches appear. Early treatment significantly lowers the risk of complications, particularly for children and older patients.
