5000 residents who acted in a manner that spreads dengue have already been fined.

The Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors' Association states that legal action has been taken against nearly five thousand individuals across the island who maintained premises in a manner that allowed dengue mosquitoes to breed. Commenting on this, its acting president, Mr. Upul Rohana, stated that strict legal action would be taken against those who maintain mosquito breeding grounds, regardless of their social status.

Mr. Rohana pointed out that the public's cooperation in curbing the dengue epidemic is insufficient, and that there is currently a higher-than-expected increase in patients in the country. He also warned that if this unusual increase in patients cannot be controlled, the country will face a serious crisis in the future.

Meanwhile, 47 complaints have been received by the Dengue Operations Centre, established to receive information and complaints regarding dengue control activities. Dr. Kapila Kannangara, the Acting Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, stated that 19 of these complaints were related to water-filled drains, 9 to overgrown lands, and 15 to irregular waste disposal. He also mentioned that the telephone number 0117 966 366 is open for reporting and obtaining any information related to dengue.

Dr. Kannangara stated that in addition to dengue, the Chikungunya disease is also spreading rapidly these days, and hospitals in many areas, including Colombo, are filled with dengue patients. Due to the severe disease situation, hospital capacities have been exceeded, and if this situation continues, there is a serious risk of the entire hospital system collapsing. He pointed out that the number of patient deaths could also increase in the future due to this stressful environment. Hospitals in several districts, including Colombo, Gampaha, and Matara, have already reached maximum capacity.

Due to the ongoing epidemic situation across the country, 49,000 dengue patients have been reported in the country to date, with 29 deaths. It is noteworthy that 5 of these deaths were young children. In the first 24 days of July alone, 14,446 patients have been identified. 51% of the total patients, numbering 25,167, are reported from the Western Province. At the district level, 10,085 patients are reported from Colombo, 9,093 from Gampaha, 3,451 from Matara, 3,250 from Kalutara, and 3,091 from Ratnapura. This situation shows a clear increase compared to the year 2025, where a total of only 59,000 patients and 29 deaths were reported.

Currently, 112 high-risk Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions for dengue have been identified across the island, with the highest prevalence reported from the Maharagama MOH division. According to tests conducted so far, the highest percentage of mosquito larvae, 41%, has been reported from school premises. Additionally, mosquito breeding sites have been identified around religious places (28%) and factories and business establishments (26%).

The doctor emphasizes that as the number of reported patients continues to rise, the public must pay special attention to quickly control this situation. Accordingly, if pregnant mothers, children, and elderly individuals experience fever for a period such as 24 hours, they should immediately seek medical treatment. Other individuals should also seek medical advice and treatment without delay if their fever persists for more than two days.