Colombo, May 13: The dengue outbreak in Sri Lanka continues to escalate, with 14 reported deaths and 27,754 cases since January 2026. The health department has confirmed that infections are being reported from all 25 districts across the country.
The National Dengue Control Unit indicated that the number of cases has increased compared to 2025. The highest incidence of infections has been recorded in the Western Province, while significant numbers have also emerged in Matara, Galle, Ratnapura, Kalutara, and Kandy during the first four months of 2026.
Priscilla Samarawira, a community health expert from the National Dengue Control Unit, stated at a press conference held by the Ministry of Health that the upcoming monsoon rains could further exacerbate the spread of the disease.
Officials noted that mosquito breeding has surged in schools, workplaces, religious institutions, and both government and private organizations compared to residential areas. Improper waste disposal has been identified as a major contributor to the dengue spread, highlighting the need for public cooperation in prevention efforts.
The public has been advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience at least two symptoms, such as fever accompanied by muscle pain, headache, vomiting, nausea, or skin rashes.
Dengue, also known as breakbone fever, is a viral infection transmitted through mosquitoes. It is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions compared to temperate zones.
Most individuals infected with dengue do not exhibit symptoms. However, common symptoms include high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and skin rashes. Most patients recover within 1-2 weeks, but some may develop severe dengue, requiring hospitalization.
In severe cases, dengue can be fatal.
Avoiding mosquito bites, especially during the day, can significantly reduce the risk of dengue. Currently, there is no specific treatment for dengue; management primarily focuses on pain relief.
For individuals experiencing a second infection, dengue can become more dangerous. Severe symptoms often appear after the fever subsides, including intense abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding from gums or nose, and extreme fatigue.
In recent decades, there has been a dramatic increase in dengue cases worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of cases rose from 505,430 in the year 2000 to 14.6 million in 2024. However, most cases are mild or asymptomatic, leading to underreporting of actual figures. The disease has now become endemic in over 100 countries.
In 2024, the highest number of dengue cases recorded in a 12-month period affected more than 100 countries across all continents. The unexpected rise in infections and cases during 2024 resulted in over 14.6 million cases globally and more than 12,000 dengue-related deaths, with the Americas contributing the most, reporting over 13 million cases.
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My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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