Locally produced bacteria to combat dengue

Suraj A. Bandara

The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry has decided to use locally produced Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (BTI) bacteria as a subsidiary to curb the dengue mosquito larvae, Ministry sources said.

This will be used till the Cuban BTI bacteria arrives in the island.

As the first phase, this locally produced BTI bacteria will be introduced in Kandy district to destroy the dengue mosquito larvae. After results from the Kandy district are out, the BTI bacteria will be sprayed throughout the island from air, the sources said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa had instructed Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena to take action to prevent any epidemic breaking out due to the floods and heavy rains.

The President had requested the Ministry to import the Cuban BTI bacteria before an epidemic breaks out.

The BTI bacteria produced by the Science and Technology Department will be utilized from next month to fight the dengue menace.