Dengue surge as thousands of breeding sites found in major national inspection drive

Colombo, June 9 (Daily Mirror) - A nationwide dengue control operation has revealed a worrying number of mosquito breeding sites, raising concerns over public health safety in key institutions including schools, government offices, and construction sites.

During the first day of a three-day special dengue control program, authorities inspected 31,196 premises across 14 districts and identified 2,097 locations where dengue mosquito larvae were present.

Health officials also found 8,121 potential breeding sites, highlighting what they describe as a “serious and widespread risk” of dengue transmission.

Particular concern has been raised over sensitive public locations. Out of 56 schools inspected, larvae were found in seven schools, while 31 percent were identified as potential breeding grounds. In the construction sector, 41 sites were confirmed with larvae out of 178 inspections.

Government institutions have also come under scrutiny, with 189 premises inspected and 50 found to contain mosquito larvae. Religious places and factories were not spared either, with larvae detected in 18 religious sites and 17 factories.

Authorities have already issued 1,165 notices and initiated legal action against 789 individuals for failing to maintain proper environmental standards.

In residential areas, 28,230 homes were inspected, with 1,760 confirmed breeding sites identified, further intensifying concerns about household-level negligence.

The National Dengue Control Unit warned that the high number of breeding sites in schools and construction zones is particularly alarming, urging stricter enforcement and public cooperation.

The three-day nationwide dengue control program, launched by the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, continues until tomorrow (10) across 72 Medical Officer of Health divisions in 14 districts.