Dengue cases surge past 37,000 as nationwide cleanup drive begins
By S. Subhadarshani
COLOMBO – Sri Lanka’s health authorities have launched a special three-day dengue eradication campaign targeting high-risk areas across the country as the number of reported dengue cases this year surpassed 37,000.
The campaign, initiated under the direction of the Ministry of Health, is being conducted in 72 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions across 14 districts identified as dengue hotspots. Officials said the operations which began on Sunday (7) and will continue through June 10.
The national launch was held at the Colombo Municipal Council premises under the patronage of Colombo Mayor Vraîe Cally Balthazaar, Colombo Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr K. Sriprathapan, and Deputy Director of the National Dengue Control Unit Dr Kapila Kannangara.
Addressing the event, Mayor Balthazaar commended the support provided by the armed forces, police, public institutions and health authorities in combating the spread of dengue. She urged officials to pay particular attention to nearly 150 schools, government institutions and construction sites within the Colombo city limits that have been identified as potential mosquito breeding grounds.
Dr Kannangara warned that dengue cases have risen sharply this year, with more than 37,000 infections reported nationwide so far, an increase of approximately 10,000 cases compared with the corresponding period last year.
According to health data, nearly half of all reported cases have been recorded in the Western Province, with Colombo District accounting for 22% of infections, followed by Gampaha District with 17% and Negombo with 6%. The Colombo Municipal Council area alone has reported 5.1% of the country’s total dengue cases.
Health authorities also noted rising case numbers in several other districts, including Kalutara, Ratnapura and Kandy.
Surveillance findings have identified schools, government institutions and religious sites as some of the most common locations for mosquito breeding, officials said.
During the three-day operation, inspection teams will visit homes, schools, religious institutions, government and private establishments, construction sites and abandoned properties to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
Authorities said red warning notices will be issued to property owners found maintaining environments conducive to mosquito breeding, while legal action will be taken against repeat offenders. Fogging operations will also be carried out in high-risk areas.
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