80% of Mosquito Breeding Sites Found in Public Places, NDCU Warns

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) says that 80% of mosquito breeding sites identified across the country are located in public places.

Community Medicine Specialist, Dr. Prasheela Samaraweera said that the majority of these breeding sites have been reported in schools, government institutions, religious places, and factories. 

The NDCU has urged both the relevant authorities and the public to pay close attention to the situation and take immediate steps to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds. 

Dr. Samaraweera revealed that 42% of schools inspected have been found to contain mosquito breeding sites.

She called on school authorities to give special attention to the issue and implement the necessary measures to minimize mosquito breeding within school premises. 

Meanwhile, health authorities have also warned of a rapid increase in mosquito larvae density across Sri Lanka, increasing concerns over the spread of dengue.

Health authorities have warned regarding the rapic increase of mosquito larvae density across Sri Lanka, raising concerns over the spread of dengue.

Entomologist at the National Dengue Control Unit under the Ministry of Health, M.D Sapunthala Janaki says mosquito larvae density has increased to 12% last month, up from 8% recorded in April.

The National Dengue Control Unit also noted a sharp rise in mosquito larvae density in homes and schools.

Accordingly, the mosquito larvae density reported in households last month stood at 11.7%, compared to around 8% in April.

Mosquito larvae density in schools surged to 63% last month, a significant increase from 23% recorded in April.

Mosquito larvae density has been reported in government institutions as 28%.

Religious places have recorded a larvae density of 24%, while areas surrounding factories have reported a density of 37%.

In light of the situation, the National Dengue Control Unit has urged the public to clean their surroundings and remove potential mosquito breeding sites.

NDCU also requests from the general public to seek immediate medical attention if anyone is experiencing fever. 

Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Kapila Kannangara, says dengue is currently spreading rapidly in many parts of the country.

He urged the public to seek medical treatment immediately if any symptoms have developed and follow medical advice accordingly.

A total of 23 dengue-related deaths have been reported so far this year, including four children.

40,443 dengue cases have been recorded.

Dengue has spread across 74 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions in 12 districts islandwide.