He said health authorities who investigated dengue deaths in Sri Lanka found that the majority of dengue deaths were due to patients not seeking prompt medical treatment.

He said a person with fever for more than two days should take prompt medical treatment from a state hospital.

"Owners of private and state premises should make sure that their properties are free of mosquito breeding sites. The government spends Rs. 250 million to control dengue this year but the attention paid by the public for this task is inadequate," Dr. Mahipala said.

He said provincial and regional authorities should clean all public places.