Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Sri Lanka Fights Worst Dengue Outbreak in a Decade
Sri Lanka is facing its worst dengue outbreak in a decade, with over 76,000 cases and 53 deaths since January.
The government is using military drones to find places where mosquitoes breed and has launched a nationwide clean-up campaign.
Hospitals are adding more beds and working longer hours to handle the increase in patients.
Health officials blame a more dangerous type of dengue virus for the outbreak.
Some patients with mild symptoms are being treated at home to reduce the pressure on hospitals.
The outbreak is expected to slow down as the monsoon rains weaken in August but may return in November with the rainfall.
Sri Lanka is experiencing its worst dengue outbreak in a decade, with over 76,000 cases and 53 deaths since January.
The government has deployed military drones to detect mosquito breeding grounds and launched a nationwide clean-up campaign.
Hospitals are expanding bed capacity and extending working hours to cope with the surge in cases.
The outbreak is primarily driven by the DENV-2 variant of the dengue virus, which causes more severe illness.
Some patients with mild symptoms are being treated at home to alleviate hospital pressure.
- Who
- Sri Lankan government, health officials, and the public
- What
- A severe dengue outbreak
- When
- Since January, with a significant spike in July
- Where
- Across Sri Lanka, particularly in Colombo
- Why
- Due to a more virulent strain of the dengue virus, primarily the DENV-2 variant, and favorable conditions for mosquito breeding.
Government and Health Officials
Public and Patients
Response to the Outbreak
Government and Health Officials
The government and health officials are deploying drones, increasing hospital capacity, and launching nationwide clean-up campaigns to combat the dengue outbreak.
Public and Patients
Patients are facing challenges due to the rapid increase in cases, with some being asked to recover at home to alleviate hospital pressure.
- Total Cases
- 76,044 since January
- Deaths
- 53
- Most Affected Area
- Colombo
- Primary Virus Strain
- DENV-2
- Breeding Sites Cleared
- 11,000
- Premises Fined
- 4,000
- Cases in May
- 8,590
- Cases in June
- 21,537
- Cases in July (first 20 days)
- 21,650