Sri Lanka launches special mosquito control programme as dengue cases top 82,000

Sri Lanka launched a special mosquito control programme on Monday (27) as the number of dengue cases reported this year rose to 82,011, the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) said.

Acting NDCU Director Kapila Kannangara said the programme, organised jointly by the Ministry of Health and the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, would continue until July 31.

The NDCU said dengue had caused 61 deaths in Sri Lanka so far this year.

Meanwhile, the “Stop Dengue” national control programme entered its 15th consecutive day in the Western Province.

The Ministry of Health and Mass Media and the Maharaja Media Network, led by News 1st, are conducting the campaign across the Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts.

Inspection teams will focus on Aluthkade in Colombo, Katunayake in Gampaha and Kalutara town.