Dengue on the rise

Hemanthi Guruge

The Health Ministry said yesterday there has been an increase in the number of dengue patients receiving treatment at government and private hospitals in Colombo. "There is a threat of dengue spreading due to scattered showers these days, a Ministry spokesman said.

The worst affected areas in the Colombo District are Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, Maharagama, Kolonnawa, Kaduwela and Moratuwa. A large number of patients suffering from dengue have been reported in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council area, he said.

The Health Ministry is to launch a special dengue eradication programme on June 6 to 10 targeting Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council area.

Houses and private premises in the Municipal Council area will be targeted under this programme.

This programme is aimed at providing and awareness to the people to eradicate the dengue menace, also said.

Health Authorities will take legal action against dengue mosquito breeders during their campaign.

More than 175 PHI and Security Forces personnel will participate in the dengue eradication programme.