Sri Lanka’s dengue death toll for 2026 has climbed to 61, with the total number of reported cases now exceeding 80,000, according to the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU).
The unit said the cumulative case count for the year has reached 80,905. Of these, 25,530 infections were recorded during July up to July 24 — a sharp monthly surge that underlines the intensity of the current outbreak as the mid-year monsoon breeds mosquitoes across the island.
The Gampaha District continues to report the highest caseload, with 17,135 infections so far this year, followed by Colombo with 16,140 and Matara with 5,574. By province, the Western Province accounts for the largest share at 42,835 cases, with 12,260 recorded in the Southern Province and 6,924 in the Central Province.
The figures represent a steady escalation from earlier NDCU reports this month, which had placed the national tally at around 78,000 cases just days earlier. Health authorities have repeatedly urged the public to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around homes, schools and workplaces, warning that discarded containers, blocked drains and stagnant water are fuelling the spread of the Aedes mosquito.
The NDCU and the Ministry of Health have intensified inspection drives, public-awareness campaigns and legal action against premises found harbouring breeding grounds. Officials continue to advise anyone with a persistent high fever to seek medical attention early, as timely treatment remains critical to preventing dengue deaths.
