Dengue cases rise

COLOMBO: One hundred and forty five dengue cases have been reported from Colombo this year, the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Colombo, Dr. Pradeep Kariyawasam said.

"Patients are reported from densely populated areas and especially in and around new construction sites where water finds its way into pits, lift shafts, holes or crevices on uncovered floors. One large construction site in Havelock Town has reported more than 15 dengue patients with one death, a foreigner. Most other major construction sites in Narahenpita, Bambalapitiya and Wellawatte had earlier reported dengue cases among workers or newly arrived residents," he said.

The lack of care by owners and site managers to improve sanitary conditions including disposal of garbage, drainage of storm water, and inspection of the site for mosquito breeding during the construction period has contributed to the creation of pockets of dengue cases in and around these sites.

These small outbreaks may possibly contribute to an epidemic unless stringent action is taken against offenders, he said.

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Dengue breeders beware

The Colombo Municipal Council Public Health Department will send Public Health Inspectors to dengue breeding sites to inspect and take legal action against owners of these sites.

If the sites are found to be breeding mosquitoes, the City Planning Division will be requested to terminate the Building Permit.

Residents around new construction sites can inform the Complaints Centre on 2676161 or the Chief Public Health Inspector on 2696594 of dengue breeding places.