September 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s dengue situation may currently appear relatively subdued, but health authorities have cautioned that the threat remains and could intensify if preventive measures are neglected.
Community Physician Dr Prashila Samaraweera, speaking at a media briefing organised by the Health Promotion Bureau, called on the public to maintain vigilance and take steps to prevent mosquito breeding around homes and other premises.
She stressed that even seemingly insignificant collections of stagnant water can provide suitable breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Residents have therefore been urged to regularly inspect their surroundings and eliminate potential breeding sites before mosquito numbers increase.
Dr Samaraweera also pointed out that patterns observed in several districts suggest mosquito populations can begin to rise before a corresponding increase in dengue infections is recorded. This means changes in mosquito density could serve as an early warning sign of a possible increase in cases.
Health officials are consequently encouraging households and communities not to become complacent simply because reported infections remain comparatively low, emphasising that sustained public participation in mosquito-control efforts remains essential.
