Neglect of peridomestic vector-control, main cause for dengue spread

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

Western Province is the main culprit in the mosquito menace.

Dengue control is difficult due to lack of commitment by householders to eliminate Aedes aegypti breeding habitats in and around their houses, vector control specialists of the Health and Nutrition Ministry told the Daily News yesterday.

According to ministry's mosquito control officials, dengue inducing Aedes aegypti mosquito breeds in 40 percent of households in the Colombo Municipal area, Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, Kolonnawa, Nugegoda and Homagama.

Aedes aegypti breeds in many types of household containers, such as water storage jars, flower and plant containers, tanks and drums.

The risk of an epidemic is high in areas infested with Aedes-infested larvae, the officials said.