The country could face a renewed increase in dengue cases in the coming months as expected rainfall creates favourable conditions for mosquito breeding, the Acting Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Kapila Kannangara warned.
Dr. Kapila Kannangara made the remarks as a special week-long dengue control programme commenced yesterday (14), targeting areas vulnerable to a resurgence of the disease.
Dr. Kannangara said the programme was launched in anticipation of rainfall associated with the northeast monsoon, inter-monsoon conditions and weather patterns linked to El Niño, all of which could create additional mosquito breeding sites and contribute to a fresh rise in dengue infections.
Although the number of dengue cases has declined from the high-risk levels recorded recently, he stressed that the threat had not disappeared.
“Dengue can raise its head again in the coming months,” Dr. Kannangara said, noting that entomological surveys conducted across the country continue to identify dengue mosquito breeding sites.
He said daily dengue cases had previously reached between 1,200 and 1,300, but the number has now fallen considerably. However, health authorities cannot afford to become complacent, as existing breeding sites could fuel another increase in cases if preventive measures are not maintained.
The special dengue control programme is being implemented across seven provinces, 15 districts and the Colombo Municipal Council area, covering 62 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions.
Ten teams have been deployed to each MOH division, with each team comprising a health worker, military personnel, a police officer and volunteers. District and Divisional Secretaries, along with Grama Niladhari officers are also supporting cleaning and mosquito-control activities at the local level.
Meanwhile, the National Dengue Control Unit reported that 97,484 dengue cases have been recorded so far this year, with 74 deaths reported.
Gampaha has recorded the highest number of cases at 20,786, followed by Colombo with 19,311 cases.
The authorities have identified 35 high-risk areas that remain under close monitoring, with officials urging the public to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites before the expected rains trigger a further increase in dengue transmission.
