Now, precautions against yellow fever

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The Health Ministry will launch a special quarantine programme for yellow fever before the end of this year. Yellow fever is another disease spread by the dengue mosquito. There is a possibility of the spread of yellow fever in Sri Lanka, a spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, since dengue mosquitoes are widespread there is a high possibility for the spread of yellow fever in Sri Lanka. "Sri Lankans visit affected regions including Latin America and Africa while tourists from these regions also visit Sri Lanka. If a dengue mosquito stings an affected person, yellow fever could spread in Sri Lanka," he said.

"The Health Ministry quarantine epidemiology and dengue control units have made arrangements to screen all passengers at the BIA for yellow fever," he said.