Sri Lanka’s dengue death toll for the year has climbed to 49, with confirmed cases now exceeding 71,000, according to the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU).
The unit reported 71,235 cases as of 14 July, including 1,284 new infections recorded the previous day. A total of 15,856 cases have been logged in the first two weeks of July, though June remains the worst month so far this year with 21,538 infections.
The Western Province continues to be the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for 37,490 cases — more than half the national total. Within the province, the Gampaha District has recorded the highest caseload at 14,736, followed closely by Colombo with 14,229.
As the crisis deepens, enforcement is intensifying. The Public Health Inspectors’ Union said legal action has been taken against more than 10,000 individuals for maintaining premises in a manner that allows dengue mosquitoes to breed. Union Secretary Chamil Muthukuda said officers have inspected over 125,000 residential premises in recent months, along with numerous public sites including religious locations.
The NDCU has designated 175 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions across the island as high-risk zones. Acting Director Dr. Kapila Kannangara stressed that public commitment remains essential to bringing the outbreak under control.
The toll has risen steadily in recent days, from 47 deaths during the 60-zone eradication drive to the current 49, after cases neared 70,000 in the Western Province. Health officials warn the South-West monsoon continues to create ideal breeding conditions for the Aedes mosquito.
