COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Health Ministry stated special programmes have been commenced to contain the spread of dengue in Galle. Over 17,500 people have been diagnosed with dengue in 2019 and 26 have died.

Community Specialist, Dr Priscilla Samaraweera at the National Dengue Eradication Unit said that the spread of dengue fever has increased drastically over the last three weeks.

She noted that smoke fogging will be used to contain the breeding of the dengue mosquito. Dr Samaraweera urged the public to keep the surroundings clean to minimise the spread of the mosquitoes as the South-West monsoon provides an ideal atmosphere for any mosquito to thrive.