Sri Lanka, June 23 -- The Breteau Index, which indicates the density of dengue mosquito larvae, has now exceeded 25 in many areas, posing a grave threat to the public, President of the Health Entomology Officers' Association, Najith Sumanasena, said yesterday (22).

He stated that this situation indicates an epidemic level, for the Breteau Index should normally be maintained at a level of 5. Sumanasena further noted that although the relevant provincial authorities were briefed about this situation in April by the Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, delays by officials in certain divisions in making necessary decisions have contributed to the situation turning into an epidemic.

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