Colombo, June 15: Sri Lanka is witnessing a significant surge in dengue cases in 2026. Health Deputy Minister Hansaka Wijemuni announced that a new strain of the dengue virus is spreading, increasing the risk of infection. In response, authorities have launched a nationwide prevention campaign to control the rising mosquito population and reduce transmission.
Wijemuni informed the media that the current virus has several mutations compared to the strain previously identified in the country. Many individuals in Sri Lanka may not have encountered this variant before, leaving a large portion of the population vulnerable to infection.
So far this year, Sri Lanka has reported 41,144 dengue cases, with 24 fatalities, including four children. To curb the escalating cases, the government has initiated a Dengue Prevention Week from June 15 to June 20.
According to the news agency Xinhua, from June 15 to 17, the program will focus on public spaces across the island. On June 18, it will target educational institutions, including schools, preschools, private schools, and other facilities with children.
Public and private workplaces will be the focus on June 19, while June 20 is designated for inspecting and cleaning homes and surrounding environments.
Wijemuni stated that health officials anticipated periodic increases in dengue cases and had prepared for such situations. He emphasized that the government’s response is aimed at reducing mosquito populations and ensuring patients receive timely healthcare before their conditions worsen.
He urged the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and assist in prevention efforts, stressing that government actions alone are insufficient to halt the spread.
Authorities have warned that failing to prevent mosquito breeding sites could lead to legal penalties under Sri Lankan law. Legal action will be taken against individuals contributing to the breeding of dengue mosquitoes in unsanitary environments.
The police indicated that special attention will be given to construction sites during the program. Officials may seek court orders to halt work at these sites, as they pose a public health risk.
The National Dengue Control Unit has called on the public to clean up mosquito breeding sites in their vicinity and to seek medical treatment immediately if they experience fever.
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