Provincial health authority warns of dengue outbreak in Trinco

[TamilNet, Saturday, 21 January 2006, 17:25 GMT]
North-East Provincial Ministry of Health has warned of a major outbreak of dengue fever in Trincomalee and its suburbs if prompt steps are not taken to remove accumulated garbage immediately. Our survey has revealed that dengue vector mosquito density is significantly high in all parts Trincomalee town, said provincial health ministry officials in a letter to Provincial Chief Secretary.

Trincomalee is top on the list of 48 urban areas identified island wide by the Central health Ministry and being considered as a high risk for the outbreak of dengue fever, NEPC health official said.

Recently three persons affected by dengue fever were detected by health inspectors in the Trincomalee town and admitted in the hospital.

Dengue vector mosquitos are found in plenty in the surroundings of almost all schools in the town and its suburbs, according to a survey conducted by the health officials. Schools' administrations have been asked to clear accumulated garbage from their premises immediately.

Two local government authorities, Trincomalee Urban Council and Trincomalee Pradesiya Sabahas say they need additional funds to remove accumulated garbage, as they are in short supply of vehicles and manpower.

The extent of the urban council limit of the Trincomalee town is nearly 7.8 sq.km. and the population is about one hundred thousand. About 15,000 residential units and 525 commercial units are located in Trincomalee. The town is densely populated and residential units are congested, health officials in a survey said.

According to health officials, 50,000 kg of garbage is removed daily from the Trincomalee town alone but the production is about 80,000 kg. Every day about 30,000 kg of garbage is accumulated.

Trincomalee Urban Council, which has its office in the town itself, has requested the provincial health authorities for special found to remove the accumulated garbage

Trincomalee Pradesiya Sabah, which has its administrative office in Uppuveli, about 3 km north of Trincomalee town covers three villages Palaiyootu, Chinabay and Uppuveli. It also wants funds for the removal of accumulated garbage.