By: Isuru Parakrama
October 22, Colombo (LNW): In response to the escalating dengue fever crisis, the Ministry of Health has unveiled an urgent three-day eradication initiative set to commence tomorrow (23).
This comprehensive programme, led by Ministerial Secretary Dr. Palitha Maheepala, aims to combat the growing threat of dengue mosquitoes across several key districts, namely Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha, and Puttalam.
The initiative will encompass a network of 50 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices, where health officials will focus on identifying and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
This proactive measure is deemed critical, particularly as the nation grapples with a significant surge in dengue cases. Over the past three weeks alone, an staggering number of 1,874 new cases have been documented, highlighting the urgent need for preventive action.
This year has already seen a staggering total of 41,285 dengue cases reported nationwide, according to the National Dengue Control Unit.
The rise in numbers is attributed to various environmental factors, including increased rainfall and stagnant water, which provide ideal breeding conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector for the disease.
The Ministry of Health is calling on the public to play a vital role in this initiative by ensuring their surroundings are free from potential mosquito breeding sites.
Simple measures such as regularly emptying containers that collect water, maintaining clean drains, and using mosquito repellent can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
