Health Ministry intensifies anti dengue drive

by Carol Aloysius

Following the recent discovery of a new species of mosquitoes found for the first time in Sri Lanka after 124 years, investigations with regard to its effect on human life are being intensified to expedite the Health Ministry's anti dengue drive.

Discovered in the Kalutara district, from samples taken by a research team from the Medical Research Institute and analysed at the MRI lab, Topomiya, the name given to the mosquito, brings the total number of mosquito varieties found in Sri Lanka to 17.

While carrying similar identification marks such as a white band, found in the dengue carrying vector the Aedes Egypti, the newly discovered species is said to feed on dengue larvae and plant juices rather than human blood.

"The find is exciting and we are hopeful the outcome of our investigations will be positive. It could be our best weapon to fight dengue," health sources said. The new mosquito is said to co-exist with the dengue vector and even laying its eggs with the latter.

"The fact that it feeds on dengue larvae means we can reduce the dengue mosquitoes in a natural way, rather than using insect repellents that have could carry health risks", the sources said. Dengue which is on a new high following the monsoon rains has already claimed several lives which health sources said could have been saved if early detections had been made.

'If anyone has fever for more than 2-3 days accompanied by body aches, headaches and fatigue, seek medical attention immediately", health sources said.