The National Dengue Control Unit, part of Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health, has issued a warning about potential mosquito breeding due to the upcoming southwest monsoon season. Dr. Sudath Samarawira, director of the unit, highlighted the urgent need for vigilance, reporting that 23,000 dengue cases have been documented in Sri Lanka so far this year.

The disease is spreading rapidly in several districts, including Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, and Jaffna, with the highest number of cases in the Colombo district. This year has also seen nine dengue-related deaths.

In response to the rising cases, a National Dengue Prevention Week has been scheduled to begin on May 26. This initiative aims to mitigate the risk of dengue outbreaks linked to the monsoon rains.