Entomologists to survey dengue risks at schools

As a counter measure to control the sharp increase of dengue in the Western Province (WP) in particular and other parts of the country at large, the Health Ministry yesterday deployed 12 teams of Entomologists to conduct a survey at schools in the WP.

“The reason to deploy Entomologists at schools is that secluded schools act as breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes while they are kept closed for the school vacations. The surveys conducted by the Health Ministry indicate that dengue is to raise its head once again during the oncoming rainy season and spread in epidemic proportion,” Health Ministry spokesman Dharma Wanninayaka said.

He said the Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena instructed officials yesterday to be extra vigilant because 2012 is a risk year when dengue could become an epidemic.

Minister Sirisena has asked officials to deploy Entomologist at schools and instructed school principals to make sure no mosquito breeding grounds exist within school premises. The Entomologists have been instructed to obtain the assistance of MRI, National Dengue Control Programme, Colombo Municipal Council and school principals and staff for their surveillance, he said.

The Health Ministry will prepare a report on school dengue control programmes and submit it to Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana for further action, he added.

Minister Sirisena also instructed the officials to make sure that all state healthcare institutions have ample stocks of drugs and medical staff to face any emergency and treat all patients without de- lay.

Minister had specially told his officials not to send any patient to private pharmacies to purchase drugs or medical equipment required to treat dengue patients, Mr. Wanninayaka said.

The reason to deploy Entomologists at schools is that secluded schools act as breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes while they are kept closed for the school vacations.