Dengue rapid increase: Over 1000 patients in the first 4 days of 2026

Dr. Kapila Kannangara, Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, stated that 1,019 dengue patients have been reported across the island in the first four days of 2026 alone. He revealed this information while participating in a press conference held yesterday (05) at the Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government, with the aim of raising public awareness about the ongoing three-day national dengue control program.

According to the latest data reports, the highest number of patients, 561, have been reported from the Western Province, while 135 were from the Southern Province, 85 from the Central Province, 69 from Sabaragamuwa, 42 from the Northern Province, and 48 from the Eastern Province. Nearly 24% of the total patients, i.e., 252 patients, have been identified from the Colombo district alone, making the Western Province currently the highest-risk zone.

73 patients have been reported from within the Colombo Municipal Council area alone, and cities such as Gampaha, Kandy, Galle, Ratnapura, and Jaffna have also been identified as high-risk zones. Health authorities warn that an increase in dengue patients is usually observed with the Northeast Monsoon rains, and this situation could further escalate with the expected rainfall in January and February. Especially due to recent disaster situations, the accumulation of discarded containers and waste in the environment has created a favorable breeding ground for mosquitoes. Therefore, the public must pay close attention to this and support dengue control activities.