Public support a must to eradicate dengue

The country faces various epidemics from time to time and the latest is dengue. People's co-operation is vital to eradicate the menace, said Southern Provincial Council Chief Minister Shan Wijaya Lal de Silva.

"We have to educate the masses about dengue and formulate new laws against those who do not co-operate to eradicate it," he said.

He was addressing the inauguration of the anti- dengue campaign at Matara Municipal Council recently.

Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, Municipal Council members and Department Heads were present.

The Chief Minister said the number of dengue patients has gradually increased in 2013.

"It is a pity that we still couldn't solve this problem," PHI S.P.P. Liyanage said.

"Earlier, we thought that the dengue mosquito lays eggs only in clean water but according to recent studies we have found they can lay eggs even in salty and oil mixed water," he said.

Nali Rajapaksa MOH also spoke.