Surge in dengue cases in Labuan

LABUAN: The number of reported dengue cases in the duty-free-island here rose to 19 since January this year compared to only four cases the same period of last year, which is more than a fourfold (375 per cent) increase.

However, no death was reported over the years.

At least five cases were reported last week involving highly populated localities, Taman Perumahan Mutiara, Sg Bedaun (two cases) and Kiansam (three cases).

Labuan Health Department director Dr Ismuni said a 65-year-old from Taman Perumahan Mutiara was still being warded after being diagnosed with dengue fever.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and will carry out works to eliminate Aedes breeding grounds in the affected area,” he said at the Nur Ramadan New Breath and Smile and Shine programme yesterday.

He urged all quarters, including homeowners to play their role in preventing a possible rise in dengue cases by eliminating mosquito breeding sites in their locality to curb the dengue threat.

“The dengue cases will rise based on several factors including the weather and serotype shift which can trigger dengue outbreak.

“Therefore, it must be stressed that all quarters should eliminate mosquito breeding grounds to prevent dengue fever outbreak,” he said, describing the upward trend as rather alarming and required attention and action from all parties. He said current weather conditions provided the ideal breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, particularly if water containers were left unchecked.

Labuan recorded 13 dengue cases throughout last year compared with only three in 2015. - Bernama