Dengue cases could soar with new breeding sites [September 20 2015]

by Carol Aloysius

Dengue Fever ( DF) cases which up to September 2015 tumbled by ten- thousand compared to figures last year, could soar, resulting in another dengue epidemic, more severe than previous years under the prevailing weather conditions ideal for proliferating mosquito breeding sites, Chief Public Health Medical Officer Colombo Municipal Council ( CMC) Dr Ruwan Wijemuni told the Sunday Observer.

Noting that in the Colombo Municipal area the number of DF cases had reduced by 25 percent and deaths due to DF by 85%., compared to last year, he said potential breeding sites increased to 9 % from 7 % last year, with the dengue carrying vector finding new sites to lay its larvae.

He said the CMC had targeted all high risk areas, including new sites where mosquito populations had increased in most parts of the city during the Dengue Control week which just concluded.

“Of the 11,103 houses visited by our officers, 63 residents were found guilty of having mosquito breeding sites on their premises. We also introduced a new method of water based fogging for the first time, to kill adult female mosquitoes inside houses”, he said. “It is cheaper than diesel fogging and more environmental friendly.”

With the re-opening of schools, Senior Medical Officer, Dengue Control Unit, Dr Nimalka Pannilahetti said all schools and surroundings, islandwide were under inspection for potential breeding sites for mosquitoes.

“Primary grade children , pregnant women and elderly persons are most at risk of health complications from DF,” she warned. Suspected DF cases are now 20,619.

Epidemiology Unit Head, Dr Paba Palihawardene urged the public to immediately minimize mosquito breeding sites and urged anyone with fever for more than three days to seek advice from a qualified medical practitioner.