A Special Dengue Prevention Week has been declared from June 15 to June 21 to curb the spread of the disease.

The decision was taken at the meeting of the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee held today (12) at the Colombo District Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the Office of the Prime Minister said.

Compared to last year, the number of dengue cases reported this year has increased significantly.

According to the National Dengue Control Unit, approximately 39,100 dengue cases have been reported island wide to date, of which 25.8% have been recorded in the Colombo District. Following this situation, the Colombo District has been identified as a high-risk district, the statement said.

Health authorities informed that the increasing spread of the disease has been influenced not only by the nature of circulating virus but also to the lack of sufficient immunity among the population. They further noted that the recent heavy rainfall has aggravated the spread of Dengue.

It was also identified that the current outbreak is being reported more frequently from public places such as government institutions, private establishments, schools, and religious venues rather than from residential premises.

Observations have identified improperly managed solid waste and drainage systems in offices and other public locations as major breeding grounds for mosquitoes, it stated.

Accordingly, during the Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 June, a series of measures will be implemented, including, organising community clean-up campaigns in government and private institutions, schools, residential areas, and other public spaces; Conducting inspections of high-risk premises by Divisional Secretariats and taking legal action, where necessary, followed by awareness programmes; Distributing informational leaflets, displaying banners, and carrying out public awareness campaigns through the media.

Health authorities also requested school administrations not to involve students below Grade 10 in school cleaning programmes and to immediately notify the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office if a student is diagnosed with dengue, the statement added.

The programme is expected to receive the support and participation of the district's political leadership, religious leaders of all faiths, public officials, local government institutions, the tri-forces, the police, and the general public.