The National Dengue Control Unit has announced a special mosquito control campaign from November 2 to 7, targeting high-risk areas across the country amid a rise in mosquito breeding.

Community Physician Specialist Dr. Preshila Samaraweera said 104,094 dengue cases and 79 dengue-related deaths had been reported nationwide since January this year.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Department of Government Information, she said the highest number of cases had been reported from the Colombo District, followed by Gampaha, Kandy, Kalutara, Matara, Galle, Ratnapura and Kegalle.

A total of 32 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas have been identified as high-risk for dengue. Authorities have also observed increasing mosquito larval density in high-risk areas across 13 districts.

Dr. Samaraweera said the special campaign aims to control mosquito breeding and reduce dengue infections in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, National Dengue Control Unit Entomologist Dr. Sakunthala Janaki warned that mosquito breeding had increased significantly in several parts of the country.

According to surveys conducted in October, approximately 8.7% of residential premises inspected were identified as mosquito breeding sites. The corresponding figure for government institutions increased from around 17% in September to 33% in October.

Although dengue cases declined during August, September and October, the national premises index, which measures the proportion of inspected premises with mosquito breeding sites, rose from approximately 6.5% in August to around 9% in October, according to the National Dengue Control Unit.

Dr. Janaki warned that dengue cases could increase within the next four to six weeks if mosquito breeding sites are not properly eliminated.

Authorities have also urged the general public to remove stagnant water and destroy mosquito breeding sites in residences, workplaces and surrounding areas to prevent a further rise in dengue infections.