Special dengue-control programme launched in 11 districts

The National Dengue Control Unit has launched a seven-day mosquito-control programme in 11 districts following an increase in dengue cases in several parts of the country.

The programme will cover 63 Medical Officer of Health divisions and will be implemented at Grama Niladhari division level, the unit’s director, Dr Kapila Kannangara, said.

Sri Lanka has reported 72,430 dengue cases so far this year, while the death toll has risen to 49. The unit has classified 175 Medical Officer of Health divisions as high-risk areas.

Gampaha District has recorded the highest number of cases, followed by Colombo and Kalutara. Authorities have also reported high caseloads in Matara, Galle, Ratnapura and Kegalle.

Cases have also increased in Kandy, Badulla, Puttalam and Kurunegala districts.

The government has expanded the mosquito-control programme from 23 to 63 Medical Officer of Health divisions after officials identified new areas where infections were rising.

Security forces and community organisations are supporting mosquito eradication and clean-up operations in public places.

Officials said earlier interventions had reduced cases in some areas, but infections continued to rise elsewhere.

A separate public awareness and mosquito-control campaign is also under way in Colombo, Kalutara and Gampaha districts.