• 47 deaths recorded as infections continue to surge
• Public urged to avoid NSAIDs and seek medical advice
• Only paracetamol recommended until dengue is ruled out

The dengue outbreak has intensified, with the number of reported cases surpassing 68,000 and the death toll rising to 47, prompting the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) to issue an urgent warning against the use of common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by people who develop a fever.

According to the NDCU's NaDSys surveillance system, the country's dengue caseload had reached 68,071 by week 27 of 2026, while 47 deaths had been recorded. The highest monthly caseload was reported in June, when 21,538 infections were detected. A further 12,692 cases were reported during the first 11 days of July, indicating that infections continue to rise.

Responding to questions from The Daily Morning yesterday (12), NDCU Acting Director Dr Kapila Kannangara said that anyone developing a fever should first consider the possibility that it could be dengue and avoid taking NSAIDs until the disease has been ruled out by a medical professional.

"We discourage people from taking these medicines. During these days, especially when there is a fever, the first thing that must come to mind is that it can be dengue," he said.

He explained that many people routinely take NSAIDs to relieve fever, body aches and joint pain because they have previously been prescribed for other illnesses, but warned that such medicines are unsuitable for dengue patients as they may increase the risk of bleeding complications.

Dr  Kannangara said common NSAIDs include diclofenac sodium, diclofenac potassium, ibuprofen and aspirin, which are sold under various brand names in Sri Lanka.

He also cautioned against the use of steroids, including prednisolone and dexamethasone, in patients with suspected dengue.

Instead, he advised people to take only paracetamol to manage fever and body aches until they have been examined by a doctor and dengue has been ruled out.

"It is better to take only paracetamol than taking stronger medicines because people think they are a fast fix and that the pain and fever will go away quickly. But they could cause other repercussions," he said.

Dr  Kannangara said the NDCU has repeatedly advised the public not to self-medicate when they develop a fever and urged them to seek medical attention without delay.

He also encouraged patients to undergo testing within the first or second day of developing a fever to enable early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

"We have been telling people over the past few weeks not to take these drugs before going to a hospital or consulting a doctor. Get yourself checked and exclude dengue," he said.

The Western Province has recorded the highest number of dengue cases so far this year, with 35,823 infections. The Southern Province has reported 10,657 cases, while 5,756 cases have been recorded in the Sabaragamuwa Province and 5,560 cases in the Kandy District.

Students allowed to wear protective clothing 

The Ministry of Education has instructed all school principals to allow students to wear suitable clothing that covers their arms and legs, in addition to the school uniform, to help protect them from dengue mosquito bites. The directive was issued through a circular in response to the ongoing dengue situation. The Ministry has also instructed principals to educate students on the use of approved mosquito repellents that meet the required safety standards as an additional preventive measure.