Dengue Fever

The Ministry of Health’s latest statistics reveals the rising trend of dengue fever as of this 17thMay. A total of 33,456 cases were reported as compared to 9,329 cases during the same period last year. That’s a jump of 259%. Fatality increases 3 folds to 68 deaths this year.

The Ministry has as at 20th?week of this year (11th?– 17th?May) received 1,279 reports of dengue fever with one fatality. The 57 years old female deceased are from Selangor. She was admitted to hospital and underwent emergency care and later dead.

The dengue cases for the past two week increased by 2-10% weekly. The 1,279 reported cases in the 20thweek is 1.8% higher than the previous week of 1,256 cases.

The 6-month dry spell brought by the El Nino weather phenomenon would affect the habit of mosquitoes and the development of dengue virus. With rising temperature, rampant mosquito bites will spread the dengue virus infection even more.

It is advised that people take steps to protect themselves from dengue mosquitoes such as cleaning up the breeding ground of mosquitoes, use of mosquito repellant or wearing of appropriate clothing. Regular inspection of home surrounding for potential mosquito habitat will help control population of dengue mosquitoes.

The public could also use mosquito spray and place stone chips in vases to prevent mosquito from breeding inside.

Houseowners should make regular roof and drain inspections to prevent leakage and clogging, use of anti-mosquito/insect spray or paint, and look out for any standing water around houses.

People should make sure the water containers are clear and free of mosquito larvae. Temephos can be put into water to kill the mosquito larvae if necessary.

It is also a good practice to regularly change the water in the vase every week, empty the water in the flower pot base, and inspect gutter for clogging.

Keep the unused or unwanted containers such as bottles and cans in sealed plastic bag or dispose off in an appropriate manner.

Every citizen must take a few steps of precaution of mosquito breeding, I am sure that we can stop or at least reduce the number of cases of dengue fever in the country. We must unite to combat the dengue fever. Let’s create awareness and take action.