Sri Lanka on brink of dengue epidemic

Colombo, June 12 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka faces a high risk of a dengue epidemic as infections continue to rise sharply across the country, with nearly 39,000 cases reported so far this year and thousands of mosquito breeding sites detected during a nationwide eradication drive, health experts warned.

Senior Consultant Physician Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama told the Daily Mirror that the current trend indicates a strong possibility of dengue reaching an epidemic proportion if urgent preventive measures are not intensified.

He stressed that favourable weather conditions, widespread mosquito breeding and inadequate public participation in control efforts could further accelerate transmission in the coming weeks.

According to data released by the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) yesterday (11), inspections carried out under the special dengue prevention programme from June 8 to 10 found dengue mosquito larvae in 6,268 premises across the country.

The islandwide operation targeted 74 high-risk Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions in 14 districts and involved inspections of 97,871 premises.

Of the locations inspected, 25,626 premises (26.2%) were identified as potential dengue breeding grounds, while 6,268 premises (6.4%) were confirmed to contain mosquito larvae.

The data revealed that factories and construction sites recorded the highest infestation rates, with dengue larvae detected in 32.9% of factories and 21.8% of construction sites inspected.

A total of 89,417 houses were checked during the programme, with mosquito larvae found in 5,250 homes.

Health authorities said immediate corrective action was taken at 21,025 premises where mosquito breeding conditions were detected. In addition, 3,348 red notices carrying legal warnings were issued, while legal action was initiated against 2,401 individuals and institutions that failed to comply with health regulations.

Speaking at a review of the programme, Dr. Jagath Amarasekera, Consultant Community Physician at the National Dengue Control Unit, said inspections were conducted in all 74 high-risk MOH divisions identified as vulnerable to dengue outbreaks.

He warned that the country has already recorded nearly 39,000 dengue cases this year, with around 8,700 infections reported in May alone, indicating a continuing surge in transmission.

Dr. Amarasekera further noted that approximately 50 percent of all reported dengue cases have originated from the Western Province, while the remaining half have been reported from the other eight provinces.

He urged the public to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites in and around their homes and workplaces, warning that the ongoing rise in cases could lead to a further escalation of the outbreak if preventive measures are neglected.

Dengue symptoms - headache, muscle, bone or joint pain, upset stomach, vomiting, pain behind the eyes, swollen glands, rash