‘Dengue cases in state at alarming level’
KUCHING: The incidence of dengue in Sarawak is at an alarming level, says Assistant Minister for Health Datuk Dr Jerip Susil.
The number has increased by 40 per cent this year from the figure in 2016 and 2015, he added.
Several districts throughout the state have been described as ‘dengue hot spots’.
“Saratok, Sarikei, Julau, Limbang and Mukah districts have all shown an increase. They are classified as hot spot areas,” he said yesterday.
Dr Jerip added that Limbang recorded a 100 per cent increase over the figure last year. Among the root causes of the increase was the weather.
He thus urged members of the public to maintain high level of cleanliness at the compounds of their houses. As preventive measures, the relevant staff of the state Health Department, he added, were going to the ground to monitor the situation and to instill in the people the importance of work parties (gotong royong) to clean their surroundings.
The department would not hesitate to take action against people who contributed to the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, he said.
Dr Jerip added that Kenyalang Park here had the most number of cases so far this month at 13 cases.
He however urged the residents not to panic as the department, with the cooperation of the community, would be able to contain the spread of dengue perhaps by Feb 25.
He said dengue incidences happened in Kenyalang Park because of the numerous plastic bags left behind by people which easily became breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.