Dengue transmitting mosquitoes diminish in Colombo

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

Dengue transmitting mosquitoes have diminished in Colombo following numerous successful clean up-campaigns carried out by Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) to eradicate mosquito breeding areas.

CMC Chief Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Dr Pradeep Kariyawasam yesterday said the high density of mosquitoes in the city has been controlled within the Colombo Municipal Area.

The density of mosquitoes has dropped significantly during the year as a result of CMC's clean up campaigns carried out in mosquito-dense areas such as Slave Island, Mattakkuliya, Kotahena and Borella, said Dr Kariyawasam.

He thanked Sri Lanka Army and Navy for the support given by them to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds in the city.

Dr Kariyawasam however warned that the dengue is likely to spread again with the spells of rains expected in the coming weeks.

Maintaining sewerage and canals will be crucial during the spells of rain from October to January to control the epidemic potential of dengue transmission, he said.

He also proposed the need to have a separate Anti Dengue Campaign to control the disease's epidemic proportions stating that the Health Ministry was reportedly trying to integrate the program of combating dengue with their Anti Malaria Campaign.

"I do not think this is effective because Malaria vectors are found in the dry zone, mainly in rivers and canals whereas as the dengue vectors are container breeders," he added.