Technical report on spraying BTI bacteria before March 10

Chaminda Perera

The technical committee on spraying BTI bacteria imported from Cuba to control the dengue epidemic was directed yesterday to forward its report before March 10.

The Health Ministry directive came in the wake of 8,000 dengue cases being reported from hospitals throughout the country. According to a Health Ministry official, this committee, chaired by Public Health Service Deputy Director General Dr Palitha Mahipala consists of medical officers attached to the Epidemiological units and renowned entomologists in the country.

The Government has allocated Rs 500 million for the national dengue control program this year and over Rs 80 million will be spent for the aerial spraying of BTI bacteria to control the dengue epidemic in urban and suburban areas, he said.