Sri Lanka’s dengue death toll has risen to 53 and confirmed cases have surpassed 75,000 for the year, according to the latest figures from the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU).
The count marks a continued climb from the 49 deaths and more than 71,000 cases reported on 15 July — and 50 deaths recorded days later — underscoring warnings from health authorities that the epidemic has not yet peaked. The highest numbers of patients are now being reported from the Gampaha and Colombo districts.
Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has warned that the heightened risk of dengue transmission is likely to persist until mid-August due to prevailing weather conditions, with a significant rise in cases reported in the Gampaha District. The South-West monsoon continues to create ideal breeding conditions for the Aedes mosquito.
In response, the NDCU is continuing a special dengue prevention programme across 11 districts. Acting NDCU Director Dr. Kapila Kannangara said the drive is being implemented through 63 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices in the affected districts, aiming to identify high-transmission areas, eliminate mosquito breeding sites and raise public awareness. He added that sustained public cooperation remains essential to bringing the outbreak under control.
Authorities have intensified enforcement in recent weeks, with legal action taken against more than 10,000 premises found to be maintaining conditions that allow mosquitoes to breed. Health officials continue to urge residents to inspect homes and workplaces weekly and to destroy any standing water where the Aedes mosquito can breed.
