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Sri Lanka Logs 44,000 Dengue Cases, 28 Deaths

6/19/2026

Summary

Sri Lanka Dengue Surge

Sri Lanka has recorded over 44,000 dengue infections this year, per the National Dengue Control Unit.
About 650 new cases are reported, with Colombo, Gampaha, Galle, Matara and Ratnapura affected.
The death toll is 28, including five children, and officials urge removal of breeding sites and early care.
Cases rose from 5,650 in April to over 10,600 by June, leading the Ministry of Health to expand surveillance and launch inspections.

Summary

Dengue Unit Cleanup

The National Dengue Control Unit launched a cleanup programme targeting schools, homes, construction sites and public buildings, running until June 22.
Officials say the surge is linked to debris left by Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka in late November, creating mosquito-breeding sites.
Unplanned urbanisation has amplified the problem by adding stagnant-water habitats in rapidly expanding neighborhoods.
Entomological surveys after the cyclone recorded unusually high mosquito-density indices, prompting intensified vector-control actions.

Summary

Jayatissa Warns Dengue

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa warned that the surge in dengue cases could overwhelm Sri Lanka’s hospitals.
Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe said dengue cases rose from about 5,600 in April to roughly 8,500 in May, echoing the 2017 benchmark.
Jasinghe noted that climatic fluctuations influence dengue transmission, requiring continuous year-round interventions.
Jayatissa urged destroying mosquito breeding sites and cleaning homes, institutions and public areas to avoid system collapse.

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Sri Lanka Dengue Surge

Sri Lanka has recorded over 44,000 dengue infections this year, per the National Dengue Control Unit.
About 650 new cases are reported, with Colombo, Gampaha, Galle, Matara and Ratnapura affected.
The death toll is 28, including five children, and officials urge removal of breeding sites and early care.
Cases rose from 5,650 in April to over 10,600 by June, leading the Ministry of Health to expand surveillance and launch inspections.

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