A nationwide mosquito control week will be held from 30th of June to 5th of July across 16 districts, the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) announced.
At a press briefing in Colombo, Dr. Priscilla Samaraweera, Community Specialist at the NDCU, stated the initiative was prompted by a rise in mosquito density caused by the ongoing southwest monsoon rains.
The program will cover 111 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions, focusing on high-risk areas where teams will inspect and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. She warned that red notices will be issued and legal action taken against those who fail to maintain cleanliness.
Dr. Samaraweera reported over 26,000 dengue cases islandwide this year, with 45% from the Western Province. So far, there have been 26,775 confirmed cases and 14 deaths, including one child fatality. High case numbers were also recorded in the Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern provinces.
