The long awaited Cuban consultants on the dengue epidemic arrived yesterday. They were expected on Saturday.

The Health Ministry invited them for discussions on the use of BTI bacteria to destroy dengue mosquito larvae. The Chief Epidemiologist of Cuba,Dr. Aramis Martinez and Assistant Epidemiologist Dr. Yelina brought samples of the bacteria.

The spokesman for the Health Ministry said yesterday (21) the number of dengue patients since January had reached a startling 18,300. 190 dengue related deaths had been reported. The Health Ministry’s Dengue, Malaria and Filaria Control projects in collaboration with the Epidemiology Unit and MRI are carrying out vector control programmes to minimize mosquito breeding places.

Cuba has been successful in fighting the mosquito menace. "Dengue is at zero level among Cubans," he said stating that the Cuban community assists a lot in fighting the disease and several other mosquito borne diseases. The Cuban government has distributed the bacteria amongst the community. They also carry out house to house programmes each week spraying BTI in their premises. The spokesman said the method should be adopted locally as well.

The Consultants will hold discussions with the Health Minister and Secretary prior to proceeding to Tangalle and Hambantota today (22) to assess and inspect dengue control programmes being carried there, the spokesman said.