Dengue could resurface in the coming months due to expected rainfall, Acting Director of the National Dengue Control Unit Dr. Kapila Kannangara said.
Speaking about a special weeklong dengue control programme launched Monday (14), Kannangara said mosquito breeding sites were still being identified through ongoing larval surveys conducted across the country.
He said the number of dengue cases had declined from the high-risk situation experienced recently, with daily cases falling from around 1,200-1,300 to 159 at present.
However, Dr. Kannangara said the reduction did not mean the threat had been eliminated, as breeding sites continued to be found in all districts.
The special dengue control programme is being implemented in seven provinces, 15 districts and the Colombo Municipal Council area, covering 62 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas.
Ten teams will be deployed to each MOH area, with each team comprising a health worker, military personnel, a police officer and volunteers.
The programme also involves Divisional Secretaries, District Secretaries and Grama Niladhari officers through the Ministry of Public Administration and Provincial Councils, with Grama Niladhari officers participating in cleaning programmes conducted within their respective divisions.
Dr. Kannangara said the programme was launched in preparation for rainfall expected with the northeast monsoon, inter-monsoon period and rainfall forecast due to El Niño conditions.
A total of 97,848 dengue cases and 74 deaths have been reported so far this year, according to the National Dengue Control Unit. Gampaha has recorded the highest number of cases at 20,786, followed by Colombo with 19,311 cases.
The unit said 35 high-risk areas remain at present. (Newswire)
The post Dengue could rise again amid expected rainfall, health officials warn appeared first on Newswire.