National Dengue Control Week-October 7-13

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The National Dengue Control Week will take place from October 7 to 13 countrywide. Tyre shops, tyre refilling points, bus depots and motor spare part shops have been identified as high risk places and will be inspected on October 7 (Thursday), Health Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman dengue control activities will focus on religious institutions and pre-schools on October 8 (Friday). October 9 (Saturday) inspecting boarding houses and places which provide accommodation for people. Inspections will be carried out with the participation of Grama Niladharis of the relevant areas.

All public places especially cemeteries to be inspected on October 10 (Sunday). Schools will be inspected on October 11 (Monday).

Arrangements have already been made to inspect all bare lands including abandoned lands in the country on October 12 (Tuesday). State and non Government institutions will be subjected to inspection on October 13 (Wednesday), the last day of the National Dengue Control week.

Members of Armed Forces, health staff, State and private organizations, civil defence committee members will participate in the program, he said.

The Health Ministry declare two National Dengue Control Weeks per year during the two monsoon rain seasons under the direction of Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena. The North-East monsoon rains bring the highest rain fall to the country. Dengue can be spread rapidly during this season and the public should be vigilant about mosquito breeding sites, he added.