{
  "id": 1381578,
  "title": "Dengue cases top 92,000 as death toll rises to 68",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/dengue-cases-top-92-000-as-death-toll-rises-to-68",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-17T00:00:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/dengue-cases-top-92000-as-death-toll-rises-to-68/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sri Lanka has seen a surge in dengue cases this year, with over 92,000 reported so far according to the National Dengue Control Unit. The current tally stands at 92,011 cases, accompanied by 68 fatalities. The Western Province is grappling with the most infections, comprising 52.96% of the total cases at 48,725. The Southern Province follows with 13,533 cases, while the Central Province reports 8,274 instances, and Sabaragamuwa has 7,558 cases. Gampaha District leads at the district level with 19,631 cases, closely followed by Colombo with 18,245 and Kandy with 6,613. Matara has 6,036 cases, Kalutara has 5,951, Galle has 5,039, and Ratnapura has 4,935 cases. The Colombo Municipal Council reports 3,700 cases alone. High-risk zones are currently identified in 96 Medical Officer of Health areas nationwide. July experienced the highest monthly caseload, with 29,968 cases, while June contributed 21,533 cases and May recorded 8,590 cases. Despite August's early days, the disease's spread has persisted, with 6,671 cases reported in the first 15 days. Health officials have advised the public to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and maintain cleanliness, urging those with fever or suspected dengue symptoms to seek immediate medical care.",
  "summary": "Sri Lanka’s dengue caseload has surpassed 92,000 so far this year, with 92,011 cases and 68 deaths, according to the National Dengue Control Unit. The Western Province continues to bear the heaviest burden, accounting for 48,725 cases, or 52.96% of the total reported infections. The Southern Province has recorded the second-highest number of cases at […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}