DENGUE EPIDEMIC IN NALLATHANNIYA

Haphazard disposal of garbage on the Sri Pada route

Health authorities are alarmed that the people in Nallathanniya and the surrounding areas would be facing the danger of Dengue epidemic in the aftermath of the Sri Pada pilgrim season due to a haphazard disposal of garbage on the Sri Pada route.

District Microbiologist who carried out research had identified Dengue mosquito larvae in mosquito breeding grounds on the Sri Pada route and that it created a serious health hazard affecting the people in Nallathanniya

Nuwara Eliya District Administrative PHI Gamini Perera who joined the Shramadana campaign to remove large collection of solid waste including plastic bottles and polythene left by the pilgrims on the Sri Pada route pointed out that the pilgrims had ignored the request to refrain from haphazard disposal of garbage creating environmental damage and a health hazard.

He said the District Microbiologist Asanka Dilani who carried out research had identified Dengue mosquito larvae in mosquito breeding grounds on the Sri Pada route and that it created a serious health hazard affecting the people in Nallathanniya and the surrounding areas. He said more than four million pilgrims had arrived during the six month pilgrim season.

The official further said that the District Director of Health Services Dr. Senaka Thalagala, Officer in Charge of the Central Province Anti-malaria Campaign and the officers of the Maskeliya MOH officer would visit the area and carry out an inspection.