Contributing to dengue:

Over 5,000 face prosecution

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors Association yesterday said it has taken legal action against over 5,000 individuals who failed to keep their surroundings clean thus paving the way for dengue mosquito breeding during the past six months.

According to a spokesman for the Sri Lanka Association of Public Health Inspectors, legal action has been taken against 4,456 individuals for having mosquito breeding areas in their home compounds.

In addition, 800 cases were filed against others for maintaining unclean business premises and institutions last week.

Meanwhile, Police arrested 53 individuals on Sunday for having mosquito breeding places in their premises.

According to Health Ministry sources, 75 dengue deaths were reported during the last six months throughout the country with a majority reported from the Western province.

Over 15,000 dengue cases have also been reported with the Western province accounting for 46 percent.

Rules and regulation had been strengthened in the effort to combat dengue on a decision by Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena following discussions with the Presidential Task Force on Dengue and those violating guidelines of the Mosquito Control Act are to be subjected to fines ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000. They could also face a prison sentence up to six months.

The Sri Lanka Association of Public Health Inspectors have collected around Rs 3,000,000 from fines imposed on persons contributing to dengue mosquito breeding.

The Health Ministry has taken steps to conduct a special training programme for government officials on dengue prevention.

The National Dengue Prevention Unit Director Dr Ranjith Batuwanthudawa said this programme was launched following a circular issued by Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga.