The Epidemiology Unit has urged the Education Ministry to get involved in the dengue control programme to prevent the spread of the disease in schools. There were around 850 cases of dengue reported from several parts of the country by last Friday.

Chief of the Epidemiology Unit, Dr. Paba Palihawadana said yesterday (09) the affected areas were Colombo, Gampaha, Kurunegala, Kegalle, Ratnapura, Kalutara and Matara. The biggest problem faced in these districts is waste disposal, she said. The Health Ministry and MOH offices these districts are endeavouring to prevent the disease from spreading to other parts of the island.

However, local government bodies are also responsible for bringing the situation under control, Dr. Palihawadana said. "We have encouraged people to dump perishable waste in compost bins. But mass dumping grounds of the Municipal Councils and pradesheeya sabhas contribute to the mosquito menace. Containers, coconut shells, old tiers etc should be destroyed or placed in such away that they cannot retain water in which mosquitoes can breed, Dr. Palihawadana said.