The authorities have launched a campaign to stamp out dengue in the country. The move comes amid reports of more than 20,000 suspected cases in the first six months of this year and recent heavy rains creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes carrying the disease.
According to official data from the Epidemiological Unit of Sri Lanka’s Department of Health, 20,954 suspected dengue cases have been reported across the country this year, with 31 deaths.
More than 46 per cent of those were reported in the Western Province, which includes the districts of Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara.
With recent rains and floods creating ideal breeding conditions for the dengue-carrying Aedes mosquito, experts fear the situation will worsen.
In response a campaign was launched this week by police, army and health authorities, who aim to destroy breeding areas, educate people about the disease, and take legal action against anyone maintaining environments suitable for the breeding of dengue mosquitoes in their private properties.
Inspections of houses, government buildings and vacant land were also being carried out by health officials and police.
-Sky News
-Agencies
