Usually the number of Dengue patients increase during the months between May to July and October to December. As a result of heavy rains in several parts of the country, there is a danger of the spread of Dengue in the country.

12 districts and 48 PHI divisions have been identified as areas vulnerable to the attack of Dengue. Most of the reports of dengue are from the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, Kandy and Kurunegala. 74% of the patients of Dengue in the country, are reportedly from these 5 districts.

Dengue week is to be observed from Monday under the auspices of Dengue Controlled Board. Under this programme, it’s proposed to create awareness among the people to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. It is not easy to bring far-reaching changes in the life styles of the people over night. Therefore, there should be sustained efforts over a period of time.

A 5 year national programme was launched last year to eradicate Dengue but the health officers complained that they have not got necessary co-operation from the members of the public for the successful implementation of the programme.

While we agree with this statement, we should like to draw the attention of the authorities to certain complaints made my members of the public that some health ministry officials and local government employees are indifferent towards the implementation. The local government officials must take stern action against occupants who violate the law relating to Dengue control.

It is the duty of the every citizen to extend his or her fullest co-operation for the optimum result in this regard.

An English translation of the Editorial in Thinakkural, a Tamil daily, based in Colombo

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