A Special Dengue Eradication Programme will commence today (06) across the Western Province as authorities intensify efforts to curb the rapid spread of dengue.
The programme is being coordinated under the Clean Sri Lanka initiative on behalf of the Presidential Secretariat.
Acting Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Kapila Kannangara, said 6,160 premises were inspected under the programme yesterday.
During the inspections, red notices were issued to 97 premises, while legal action was initiated against 67 property owners for maintaining environments conducive to mosquito breeding.
The programme was carried out yesterday in the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas of Maharagama, Kaduwela, Homagama, Gothatuwa, Battaramulla, Piliyandala and the Colombo Municipal Council area.
In the Gampaha District, inspections were conducted in the MOH divisions of Biyagama, Kelaniya, Seeduwa, Ja-Ela, Mahara, Wattala, Negombo and Minuwangoda. Similar operations were also carried out in Panadura, Bandaragama, Horana, Ingiriya and Kalutara in the Kalutara District.
Dr. Kannangara said the current dengue eradication programme is being implemented as a short-term emergency measure to control the increasing spread of the disease.
He noted that the surge in dengue cases has placed significant pressure on hospital capacity, affecting the ability of healthcare institutions to provide treatment for patients with other illnesses.
The Acting Director also urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if they develop a fever, noting that fever is a common symptom of dengue as well as influenza, meningitis and other viral infections currently circulating in the country.
Meanwhile, the National Dengue Control Unit said the total number of dengue cases reported islandwide this year has risen to 59,638.
According to the latest figures, 52 percent of all reported cases have been recorded in the Western Province, while the Southern Province accounts for 15 percent and the Sabaragamuwa Province for 9 percent.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, said the Dengue Operations Centre established to coordinate prevention and response activities operates daily from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
The operations centre is staffed by a medical officer, public health inspector, members of the tri-forces and police personnel.
A dedicated hotline, 0117 966 366, has also been introduced for the public to report premises that may serve as mosquito breeding sites.
