Dengue breeding sites found in 41% of schools nationwide – Health Minister

Dengue inspections conducted across the country have revealed a high prevalence of dengue mosquito breeding sites within school premises, the Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister of Health, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated.

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held today (16), the Health Minister said that approximately 41% of the locations inspected within the school system had been identified as containing dengue mosquito breeding sites.

He further noted that breeding sites had also been detected in 28% of religious places and 26% of industrial premises inspected.

Minister Jayatissa pointed out that the dengue situation has become particularly severe in 14 districts across the country and stressed the importance of collective action to curb the spread of the disease.

He stated that the ongoing dengue prevention programme could only be successful if all sectors of society work together in a coordinated manner.

“The number of cases has increased in the Western and Southern Provinces, as well as in the districts of Kandy and Matale in the Central Province, Badulla, Batticaloa, two districts in the North Western Province, and both districts in the Sabaragamuwa Province. Dengue prevention and cleaning operations are continuing, and these efforts will only succeed if we act collectively as a nation,” he added.