A sharp increase in dengue cases has been recorded in 14 districts across the country, the National Dengue Control Unit said, prompting authorities to strengthen inspection and prevention activities.

The Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Kapila Kannangara said future dengue control operations will be carried out more strictly, and legal action will be taken against individuals who obstruct or fail to cooperate with public health inspectors.

He stressed that full public cooperation is essential for ongoing dengue prevention efforts.

Health officials said the recent increase in cases has been largely attributed to persistent rainy weather conditions since January, which have created favourable environments for mosquito breeding.

According to the latest data from the National Dengue Control Unit, 36,168 dengue cases had been reported as of June 5, with the highest number recorded in the Western Province.

In addition to the Western Province, significant numbers of cases have also been reported from Matara, Galle, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Puttalam and Kandy districts.

Officials further said that 20 dengue-related deaths have been reported so far this year, including three children.

Meanwhile, health authorities have launched a special three-day dengue control programme beginning tomorrow (June 8) and continuing on June 9 and 10.

The programme will be carried out in 72 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions across 14 high-risk districts where dengue transmission remains high, officials said.