Sri Lanka's Dengue Cases Surpass 79,000 Amid Intensifying Outbreak

Sri Lanka is grappling with an intensifying dengue outbreak, having recorded more than 79,000 cases so far this year, with a notable spike in July. Data released on July 22 shows 79,016 cases nationally, including a staggering 23,641 cases reported in July alone.

Monthly figures reveal a sharp increase in infections, with June recording 21,534 cases and May seeing 8,590. Earlier in the year, monthly case numbers remained below 8,000. The Gampaha District has reported the highest number of infections with 16,676 cases, representing 21.1% of the national total. Colombo District follows closely with 15,748 cases, or 19.9% of the total.

Other heavily affected districts include Matara, Kandy, Kalutara, Ratnapura, and Galle. The Western Province remains the most affected region, accounting for 52.8% of all dengue cases in the country. The Southern Province is also significantly impacted, with over 12,000 cases.

Amidst the escalating crisis, health authorities have identified 175 high-risk areas and are urging the public to bolster preventive measures. This includes actively eliminating mosquito breeding sites in and around homes. Vector control efforts are being intensified to contain the outbreak, which has also resulted in 57 reported deaths this year, maintaining a case fatality rate of 0.07%.