A rise in dengue cases down south

28 July 2010 , By The Star

The state recorded a total of seven deaths due to dengue between Jan and July this year, which is an increase of four cases compared to the same period last year.

State Health department deputy director Dr Fatimah Othman said the increase in deaths due to dengue was worrying and the public should take note of the rise.

“Aedes mosquitoes are capable of adapting themselves to their surroundings.

“The mosquitoes will breed even after we have fogged an area, hence people must be mindful of the cleanliness of their premises or homes.

“The reason why there is an increase in dengue fever cases is because there are more breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

“Potential breeding grounds are places where clean water is stagnant such as plastic cups and even satellite dishes,” she said during the campaign to combat Dengue in Kampung Melayu Majidee here recently.

Tanjung Puteri assemblyman Adam Sumiru said the people should be constantly vigilant and help eliminate aedes mosquitoes breeding grounds.

“People should make the effort to remove stagnant water from their homes or workplace and take a proactive approach combating dengue,” he said.

He said the public should spend at least 10 minutes a day to thoroughly check around their houses for potential mosquito breeding grounds.

Retired teacher Mokhtar Yahya, 64, whose house was in good condition when checked for mosquito breeding grounds by a team from the health department, said that he welcomed such checks as it would teach people to maintain their cleanliness.

“I sincerely want to know if there are potential breeding grounds for aedes mosquitoes in my house.

“You must get to the root of the problem, that is by destroying the aedes mosquitoes breeding grounds,” he said adding that he would listen to the advice from the health department team.

He said keeping houses free from aedes mosquito breeding grounds was something everyone should do as it does not only benefit the neighbourhood, but also family members and friends.