Daily Dengue Cases Drop By 80% Amid Intensified Control Measures

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The National Dengue Control Unit says the number of daily dengue cases being reported has dropped by 80%.

Acting Director of NDCU, Dr. Kapila Kannangara, said the reduction was mainly due to efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and fumigation programmes.

A special discussion on the dengue control programmes implemented during the recent period is scheduled to 
be held today at the Presidential Secretariat.

The meeting will be chaired by Presidential Secretary Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

Dr. Kapila Kannangara said the meeting will review the progress of the dengue control programmes carried out so far 
and discuss future dengue prevention measures.

A total of 7,777 dengue cases have been reported across the island during the first 19 days of this month.

The highest number of dengue cases recorded so far this year was reported in July, with 29,964 cases recorded by the end of the month.

A total of 71 dengue-related deaths have been reported so far this year.

Meanwhile, a pilot community empowerment programme aimed at controlling dengue is also being launched today.

The initiative is intended to further increase community participation in dengue prevention and control.

The Ministry of Health said the pilot project will be implemented in several selected Medical Officer of Health divisions in the Colombo District.

The project will focus on identifying new approaches to encourage behavioural changes among the public and conducting surveys to strengthen the effectiveness of dengue control programmes.