News
Mosquito larva index rises indicating onset of dengue outbreak in two weeks
The Breteau index, which measures larva density, in Sri Lanka had increased to 15 percent, the Health and Entomology Officers Association (HEOA) announced on Monday.
HEOA President Najith Sumanasena told the media that a few weeks ago the Breteau index was at around five percent. Breteau indices always show an obvious increase just before the onset of any dengue outbreak, according to research.
Dengue risk is lower at a Breteau Index (BI) threshold of five or less.
He said that the density of dengue mosquitoes may increase in the next two weeks due to rain and flooding in many areas.
Meanwhile, the health ministry said 68 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas have been identified as high-dengue-risk. Dengue control programs are to be implemented in those areas, the ministry said.
The National Dengue Control Unit on October 20 said that 66,476 cases of dengue have been identified so far in 2023. (RK)