A special mosquito control program from today, following the increase in dengue patients.

The National Dengue Control Unit announces that the reporting of dengue patients in Sri Lanka has rapidly increased by 50 to 55 percent compared to last year. According to their data, a total of 36,168 dengue infections have been identified across the island during the period up to June 05 alone.

It is noteworthy that nearly 50 percent of the total reported patients are concentrated in the Western Province. Concurrently, health authorities point out that a significant increase in dengue infections can also be observed in districts such as Galle, Matara, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Puttalam, and Kandy.

This risky spread has been primarily influenced by the rainfall since the beginning of the year and the recent 'Dikwella' cyclone. After this disaster, the abundance of improperly disposed waste and water-retaining areas has created a favorable environment for dengue mosquitoes to breed easily. However, medical experts are of the opinion that this disaster cannot be curbed solely by the intervention of health authorities. Authorities strongly assert that active public participation, with every citizen keeping their homes and surrounding environments clean and free of stagnant water, is essential for this purpose.

Meanwhile, as an urgent step to control the rapidly spreading dengue risk, a special dengue prevention operation is planned to be launched from today, the 8th, until the 10th, covering the entire island. To make this extensive program successful, in addition to health staff, the Sri Lanka Police, members of the tri-forces, and numerous volunteer organizations are already prepared to provide their combined contribution.