Srilanka, Jan. 7 -- Health officials warn that the risk of dengue spreading this year is considerably higher compared to 2025.

Statistics reveal that while 4,931 cases were recorded during the entire month of January last year, 1,598 cases have already been reported within just the first six days of 2026.

The increase is largely attributed to the heavy rains and environmental changes following Cyclone Ditwah.

In response, a three-day national cleanup and dengue control program titled 'A Garbage-Free City - A Healthy Life' is being launched today (07) and will run through the next two days.

The Ministry of Health is spearheading the initiative through the National Dengue Control Unit in collaboration with the Police Environmental Prote...