Dengue cases rise in Sri Lanka amid monsoon risk: health officials

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka has recorded 27,754 dengue cases and 14 deaths so far this year, with infections reported from all 25 districts, health officials said.

The National Dengue Control Unit said the number of confirmed cases has increased compared with 2025. The highest number of infections has been reported from the Western Province, while Matara, Galle, Ratnapura, Kalutara and Kandy have also recorded significant case numbers during the first four months of 2026.

Community Medical Specialist Priscilla Samaraweera of the National Dengue Control Unit said at a media briefing held at the health ministry that the start of monsoon rains could further increase transmission.

Officials said breeding has increased more in schools, workplaces, religious institutions and government and private institutions than in households. Improper waste disposal was identified as a key factor contributing to the spread of dengue, emphasizing the need for strict public cooperation in prevention, Xinhua news agency reported.

The public has also been advised to seek medical attention without delay if fever is accompanied by at least two symptoms such as muscle pain, headache, vomiting, nausea or skin rashes.

Dengue (break-bone fever) is a viral infection that is spread from mosquitoes to people. It is more common in tropical and subtropical than in temperate climates.

Most people who get dengue do not have symptoms. For those who do, the most common symptoms are high fever, headache, body aches, nausea and rash. Most get better in 1–2 weeks. Some develop severe dengue and need care in a hospital.