Sri Lanka Dengue Outbreak

How the outbreak has developed

The national count crossed 90,000 cases on 12 August 2026, passed 91,000 on 15 August, and stood above 92,000 with 68 deaths by 17 August 2026 — an increase of roughly 2,000 recorded cases in five days.

Why dengue surges in Sri Lanka

Dengue is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which breed in small collections of clean, standing water. Case numbers characteristically climb during and after monsoon rains, when discarded containers, blocked gutters, tyres and construction sites collect water and create breeding sites close to where people live.

Reducing the risk

• Empty, cover or dispose of anything that holds standing water — buckets, tyres, tins, plant pot trays, roof gutters — at least weekly.
• Use repellent, and cover exposed skin; Aedes mosquitoes bite mainly during daylight hours, especially early morning and late afternoon.
• Use mesh screens or nets where practical, including during daytime rest.
• Seek medical advice early for a sudden high fever with severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint or muscle pain, or a rash — and urgently for warning signs such as abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums or unusual drowsiness.

Official guidance

Case figures are compiled by the National Dengue Control Unit and the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health, which also run inspection and clean-up campaigns in high-incidence areas. This page summarises published reporting; for clinical advice consult a qualified medical practitioner.