Sri Lanka, July 10 -- The Education and Higher Education Ministry, together with the Health Ministry, should immediately close all government, semi-government and private schools, universities and vocational training institutions located in high-risk dengue zones for at least two weeks to curb the spread of the disease, Doctors' Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights Chairman Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said.

He said the temporary closure should apply to institutions in areas reporting a high number of dengue cases, while the premises should be thoroughly sanitised before reopening.

He said nearly 70,000 dengue cases have been officially reported across several provinces, including the Western Province, warning that the a...