June 28, Colombo: Sri Lanka plans to import BTI bacteria,( Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) commonly use as a bioinsecticide to destroy mosquito larvae from Cuba next week to control the fast spreading dengue epidemic in the country.

Health Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said that he has already ordered a stock of BTI bacteria from Cuba after holding a long discussion with the Cuban Ambassador in Colombo.

According to the Minister, Cuba is one of the countries that has effectively controlled the spread of dengue virus several years ago.

BTI is a spore forming bacteria that produces a protein crystal which is toxic to the mosquitoes and black flies when ingested.

BTI is applied directly to the water where the mosquito larvae are developing so it is readily ingested by them.

The death total of dengue virus in Sri Lanka has risen to 153 and over 13,000 persons are now suffering from dengue fever.