KUCHING: Sarawak recorded an increase of 543 dengue cases from January to June 10 compared to just 219 cases recorded in the same period last year.
According to the state Health Department in a statement yesterday, the latest dengue fever case was on May 13 at Kampung Ajibah Abol here.
“As of June 8, 37 cases have been reported where we find areas such as idle land or empty lots, landfills and uninhabited houses have contributed to the breeding of aedes mosquitoes,” said the statement.
It added Kuching recorded 264 cases, followed by Miri (98), Betong (95), Sibu (73), Serian (46), Kapit (44), Kota Samarahan (40), Sarikei (38), Bintulu (24), Limbang (18), Sri Aman (16) and Mukah (six).
The state Health Department wants to remind the community that efforts to tackle this disease are a common responsibility and require the cooperation of various agencies, especially the community itself.
To prevent dengue fever, the community is advised to open doors and windows during fogging activities carried out by personnel of Ministry of Health; destroys potential places of aedes breeding grounds every week; to spray insecticides (aerosols) inside residential premises to kill adult aedes mosquitoes; and use repellents or wearing long-sleeved and light-coloured outfits, especially during aedes’ active time (5am to 7am and 5pm to 7pm).
In addition, the community is also advised to seek immediate treatment at a nearby health clinic if they have a fever as any delays could be fatal.
For more information, visit the Ministry of Health website at www.myhealth.gov.my or www.infosihat.gov.my.
