Dengue risk to remain high for next three weeks: Health Minister

Colombo, July 21 (Daily Mirror) - The risk of dengue transmission in Sri Lanka is expected to remain elevated for the next three weeks, with the period leading up to mid-August identified as a high-risk phase, Cabinet Spokesperson and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Speaking at the Cabinet press briefing held today (21), he said dengue spread was currently under a certain level of control, with several districts showing signs of a decline in reported cases. However, he noted that three districts continued to remain a concern and required closer attention.

The Minister stressed that continuous cleaning of public and private premises was essential to prevent the spread of dengue, especially amid prevailing rainy conditions that create new mosquito breeding sites.

He said instructions had been issued to all state institutions to continue dengue prevention activities without interruption, adding that such measures would remain a priority during the next three weeks.

“Dengue cannot be controlled through cleaning campaigns conducted on a single day. Mosquito breeding sites continue to emerge, particularly due to the current weather conditions. Even within homes, mosquito larvae can breed in places that often go unnoticed. Therefore, prevention activities must be carried out continuously,” Dr. Jayatissa said.

He also called on Medical Officer of Health (MOH) and Public Health Inspector (PHI) officers to remain actively engaged in dengue control efforts, including carrying out fogging operations where necessary.