There is a 95 per cent increase in the number of dengue cases in the Colombo city alone, the Public Health Department of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) revealed. Eighteen patients have already been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital during this month. "This is an alarming situation and there is a possibility of a rise in the number of dengue patients in the coming months unless proper action is taken to control mosquito breeding," Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Pradeep Kariyawasam said. An awareness programme to control dengue and chikungunya organised by the CMC by cleaning up gardens and potential breeding grounds will be launched today on residents' request. Legal action will be taken against those who fail to comply warnings, Dr. Kariyawasam stressed. The CMC Public Health Department identified at least 114 residences within the area where there is water retention spots which are likely to breed mosquitoes during their last inspection. Accordingly, householders were given one week's notice to take action to prevent mosquito breeding places within their premises or face legal action. The notices were issued after house to house inspection by the CMC to check whether regulations pertaining to the Mosquito-borne diseases have been complied with. The Public Health Department confirmed that cases were reported from Kirulapone, Wellawatte, Havelock Town, Kollupitiya and Cinnamon Gardens. **** Chikungunya, viral fever outbreak in Ratnapura Minister meets health officials: Health Minister Nimal Sripala de Silva will hold a special conference with health officials and heads of other institutes in the Ratnapura district on the emergency disaster situation declared in the Ratnapura district in view of the outbreak of Chikungunya and viral fever. Recent torrential rains which resulted in floods and the gem pits and other swampy lands have been instrumental in the large-scale breeding of mosquitoes. The reason for the rapid spread of the epidemic has been traced to the lack of interest on the part of the people to control the vectors of the decease. A special conference on measures to be taken to root out the epidemic from the district will be held on June 1, at the Provincial Council auditorium.