Schools emerge as dengue hotspots nationwide

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

A national dengue prevention drive has revealed widespread mosquito breeding sites in schools, construction sites and public institutions across the country.   

According to the National Dengue Control Unit, 2,097 premises with dengue mosquito larvae were identified during inspections carried out on the first day of a three-day islandwide dengue eradication programme launched by the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.   

The special programme began on June 8 across 72 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions in 14 districts and is scheduled to continue until June 10, with inspections continuing into its second day. In total, 31,196 premises were inspected on the first day alone, out of which 8,121 were identified as potential mosquito breeding risk sites.   

Authorities said inspections covered a wide range of locations, including schools, government institutions, religious sites, construction sites, factories and residential areas.   

Schools emerged as a major concern, with 56 schools inspected. 

Of these, 31 percent were found to contain potential breeding sites, while dengue mosquito larvae were detected in seven schools.   

Construction sites also showed significant risk, with 178 locations inspected. Of these, 93 were identified as potential breeding grounds and larvae were found in 41 sites. Legal action was initiated against 24 site operators.

In the public sector, 189 government institutions were inspected, with larvae detected in 50 institutions. Authorities also identified 70 additional high-risk breeding locations within these premises.   

Religious sites were not exempt, as inspections of 96 locations revealed mosquito larvae in 18 sites and 42 additional risk-prone areas.   

Meanwhile, 77 factory premises were inspected, with larvae found in 17 locations.   

Residential areas accounted for the largest share of inspections, with 28,230 houses examined. Of these, 7,088 were identified as potential breeding sites, while larvae were detected in 1,760 homes. Legal action was taken against 657 households.   

During the first day of the campaign, authorities issued 1,165 notices and initiated legal proceedings against 789 individuals and institutions for failing to comply with mosquito control regulations.