Health
Dengue fever cases surge in Sri Lanka in early 2026
A significant increase in dengue fever cases has been reported in Sri Lanka for early 2026, especially in Western Province and Colombo, following post‑cyclone flooding conditions.
Sri Lanka recorded 13,416 dengue fever cases in the first two months of 2026, with more than half of infections concentrated in the Western Province including Colombo. The surge follows Cyclone Ditwah, which caused flooding in late 2025 and left stagnant water in schools, government buildings, places of worship, and abandoned lands, creating ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes. Daily case rates in early January averaged 240 infections—more than double the same period in 2025. Health authorities have intensified surveillance and mosquito‑control operations in 41 high‑risk Medical Officer of Health divisions and advise strict mosquito‑bite prevention for residents and travelers.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Sri Lanka
- Date added
- 2026-03-25 21:13 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-25 21:13 UTC
- Source
- https://www.sundaytimes.lk
- Connected threats
-
- Not Available