Dengue epidemic looms; Health officials declare war on mosquitoes

By Nadia Fazlulhaq

With at least 16 deaths and nearly 4,000 cases reported so far this year, health officials have declared a week-long war against dengue from tomorrow.As part of this, the people are being requested to play a major role by clearing mosquito-breeding places so that dengue won’t reach epidemic proportions with the outbreak of the northeast monsoon.

A medical official at the Epidemiology Unit said the pattern of the disease indicated a possible epidemic in the coming months unless effective action was taken to control mosquito breeding.

The officer said Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Puttalam, Galle, Matara, Hambantota and Anuradhapura had been identified as high-risk districts while other areas were also vulnerable.

“The simple message we are giving is that dengue can be prevented. The main thing is to keep the environment clean and clear up places or remove any utensils where the dengue mosquito could breed,” she said identifying blocked gutters, discarded tyres, coconut shells, bird baths and flower pots as some of the breeding spots.

She said the Health Ministry would provide guidance and resources but local councils would need to play a key role in preventing another dengue epidemic. In Colombo city, residents who do not cooperate against the war on dengue are to face “tough action”.

The city’s Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni, said a house-to-house search would be conducted and green stars given to residents who were keeping their environs clean. Those who did not comply with regulations would be given a week’s notice and then be hauled to courts.