Monsoon rains expected to whip up spread of dengue

Dengue cases are expected to increase dramatically with the onset of the monsoon season, health officials warn. So far this year there have been 12,722 cases of dengue across the country, with 75 deaths reported.

According to Dr. Sudath Pieris, senior epidemiologist, Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health, the best way to control the spread of dengue is to prevent the Aedes mosquito from breeding. No anti-dengue vaccine is available, he added.“We expect heavy rains in the next few weeks, so we advise the public to keep their premises clean and help us check mosquito breeding,” he said.

Dr. Pieris said local authorities, and the municipal councils in particular, should be vigilant about solid waste management. The mosquito menace is especially acute in urban areas, where there is an abundance of potential mosquito-breeding spots. “The provincial councils, the municipal councils and the divisional secretariats should initiate cleaning campaigns and get the public involved. Public participation is essential,” he said.

The Colombo Municipal Council has launched a “green star” programme that encourages residents to keep their houses and gardens free of mosquito breeding spots. Houses that qualify are entitled to a green star. According to Dr. Pieris, the green star programme has been a success.

Empty shells attract mosquitoes

Jaffna has been identified as the district with the highest dengue rate, with a total of 1,944 cases, while Colombo has reported 1,527 cases, and Gampaha 1,525. Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Anuradhapura have also reported a high incidence of dengue.

“Since the A9 road was opened, there has been a heavy traffic of people from the South travelling to the North,” Dr. Pieris said.

“For almost 30 years there was little or no contact between the North and the South. The virus is spread by mosquitoes attacking virus-carrying travellers from the South. Most of the people in the North are not immune to the virus.”

Dr. Pieris said travellers to the North could help contain the dengue menace by refraining from throwing containers and polythene bags that can hold water and encourage mosquito breeding.