Fine weapon raised in desperation against runaway dengue menace
Fines of up to Rs 25,000 are being proposed by the Government in a desparate attempt
to contain the dengue menace, cases of which have rocketed to a record 54,727 compared with 29,777 patients in 2015.
Health officials expect bigger penalties will push the public to clean up mosquito breeding sites.
But scientists have also said activities such as spraying of insecticide destroy insects such as dragon flies, the natural predators of the Aedis aegypti mosquito, and that clearing of vegetation creates even hotter conditions in which the dengue mosquito thrives.
Minister of Health, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, said last week, provisions are being drafted to amend the Prevention of Mosquito Breeding Act (No 11) of 2007. He said the cabinet had approved a proposal to increase the minimum fine from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000. The maximum fine will reach up to Rs 25,000 against frequent violators.
The dengue eradication unit of the Health Ministry said a fine of Rs 25,000 would compel people to clean up their premises.
Director, Dr. Priscilla Samaraweera, said dengue cases last year reached a record 54,727. There were 76 deaths.
So far, this year, 1,200 cases have been reported, hospital data show. The number is expected to rise as the 348 medical officers of health have not reported their count.
Construction sites, private companies, factories and schools are seen as the leading culprits in the spread of dengue. Ineffective garbage disposal is also contributing to the epidemic.
Dr Samaraweera said these establishments would face the Rs 25,000 fine after two warnings. “If the warnings are ignored we have to impose the Rs 25,000 fine.''
Last week, over three days, the anti-dengue unit sent 750 army, police and health inspectors to check households in the Western Province.
In Kalmunai, in the Eastern Province, 200 abandoned wells have been sprayed with chemicals.
Garbage collection continues to be an insurountable challenge for local authorities.
In areas such as Ambalantota and Balangoda, garbage is collected is not separated into bio-degradable and plastic waste.
Meanwhile, dengue haemorrhagic fever is causing serious concern. The Infectious Diseases Hospital and the Negombo Hospital are facing a severe shortage of beds and nurses to care for patients.