30,000 litres of BTI to control dengue (Sri Lanka imports from Cuba)

[Mika]

30,000 litres of BTI to control dengue
http://www.dailymirror.lk/print/index.php/news/news/5731.html

By Nabeela Hussain and Sarah Kellapatha

The Health Department is to import 30,000 litres of Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (BTI) from Cuba to be used as biological control agents in fighting the spread of the dreaded dengue disease reported to be prevalent in Kandy, Akurana and Gampola.

Public Health Services Deputy Director Dr. Palitha Maheepala said the bacteria were not at the top of their list of priorities in the control of dengue.

“The World Health Organization is of the view that it is by destroying mosquito breeding sites and carrying out an awareness programme among the people are also vital ways of controlling the spread of dengue,” he said.

Dr. Maheepala said the Education Ministry and local government bodies should make a combined effort to eliminate the dengue mosquito with an effecient garbage disposal system and raising awareness among the public. He said the pilot project in the selected areas would cover 60,000 houses.

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