Sri Lanka Dengue Outbreak: Over 25,000 Cases Reported in First Four Months of 2026
Colombo, Sri Lanka
"If fever persists for more than two days, seek medical attention immediately."
— Dr. Prashila Samaraweera, Consultant Community Physician
The Situation
Sri Lanka has recorded 25,082 dengue cases and 12 related deaths between January 1 and May 2, 2026, according to the National Dengue Control Unit. For context, the country reported over 51,000 cases for the entirety of 2025.
Hotspots
The highest number of cases have originated from six districts:
- Colombo
- Gampaha
- Matara
- Galle
- Ratnapura
- Kalutara
Critical Advice from Health Officials
Consultant Community Physician Dr. Prashila Samaraweera emphasized the importance of early medical intervention. She advised the public to seek medical attention if a fever persists for more than two days, noting that early diagnosis is key to determining whether a patient has dengue and ensuring proper care.