Eight Colombo PHIs contract Dengue

Colombo, July 9 (Daily Mirror) - Eight Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) attached to the Colombo District, who are actively engaged in dengue control operations, have contracted dengue, the Public Health Inspectors' Association said.

President of the Colombo District Branch of the association, Amit Kumara, said several other members of the health staff had also been infected with dengue as the outbreak continues to worsen across the district.

He warned that the dengue situation in the Colombo District is rapidly escalating, placing increasing pressure on frontline health workers involved in prevention and control activities.

Kumara also revealed that legal action was taken against 1,186 individuals during dengue inspection raids carried out throughout June for failing to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and comply with public health regulations. The enforcement drive resulted in fines amounting to Rs. 12.25 million.

He said legal action was initiated during June against 494 households, 134 government and private institutions, four schools, and two religious places.

Kumara stressed that authorities would continue to enforce the law without exception against anyone found violating dengue prevention regulations, regardless of their status.