One-third of schools inspected flagged for dengue risk

Colombo, June 9 (Daily Mirror) - Schools have emerged as one of the key areas of concern in an islandwide dengue eradication drive, with inspectors discovering mosquito breeding sites and larvae in several educational institutions.

Data released by the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) showed that dengue mosquito larvae were detected in seven schools during inspections conducted on the first day of a three-day special dengue prevention programme launched by the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.

A total of 56 schools were inspected, with nearly one-third found to contain conditions conducive to mosquito breeding, raising concerns over the health and safety of students and staff.

The nationwide operation, which commenced on June 8 in 72 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions across 14 districts, inspected 31,196 premises on its opening day. Authorities identified 8,121 locations with potential mosquito breeding conditions, while 2,097 premises were found to contain dengue mosquito larvae.

Apart from schools, inspections covered government institutions, religious sites, construction projects, factories and residential areas.

Construction sites were identified as another major source of concern. Of the 178 sites inspected, 93 were found to have conditions favourable for mosquito breeding, while larvae were detected at 41 locations. Legal action was taken against 24 site operators.

Among the 189 government institutions inspected, dengue larvae were found in 50 establishments, while an additional 70 high-risk breeding locations were identified.

Inspectors also examined 96 religious sites, finding larvae in 18 locations and identifying 42 other potential breeding grounds.

Meanwhile, 17 of the 77 factories inspected were found to contain dengue mosquito larvae.

Residential premises accounted for the bulk of inspections, with 28,230 houses checked during the operation. Authorities identified 7,088 homes with potential breeding sites and detected larvae in 1,760 households. Legal action was initiated against 657 householders.

The NDCU said 1,165 notices were issued during the first day of the programme, while legal proceedings were instituted against 789 individuals and institutions for failing to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.