Sibu records most dengue cases among all districts in Sarawak — Health director
SIBU: Sibu district recorded the highest number of dengue cases among all districts in Sarawak as at Sept 30 this year, despite the state exhibiting a decline of 64.2 per cent in cases.
State Health Department director Dr Jamilah Hashim said up to Epidemiology Week 39 at Sept 30, 2017, Sibu district registered 123 cases out of the total 774 cases registered in Sarawak.
This was followed by Kuching District with 100 cases, Sarikei and Bintulu with 45 cases each, Daro ( 39), Betong ( 36), Kanowit ( 34), Miri ( 33) and Limbang ( 32), she added.
“Sibu District contributes 15.9 per cent of the total cases, Kuching accounts for 12.9 per cent, Sarikei and Bintulu for 5.8 per cent, Daro ( five per cent), Betong (4.7 per cent), Kanowit (4.4 per cent), Miri (4.3 per cent) and Limbang (4.1 per cent),” Dr Jamilah said in a media statement to The Borneo Post.
“Currently, Sarawak recorded a decrease in dengue cases reported in 2017 compared to the same period last year. Total dengue cases reported as at Sept 30 this year is 774 cases, compared to 2,163 cases for the same period in 2016.
“This shows a decline of 64.2 per cent or 1,389 cases,” she pointed out.
She also said Sarawak recorded four dengue deaths as at Sept 30 this year.
Asked if Zone 7 in Sibu was still recording high number of dengue cases, she replied Sibu Zone 7 recorded low number of dengue cases with 13 cases or 10.6 per cent of Sibu District’s 123 cases.
The breakdown of dengue cases for other districts were Kapit (30), Belaga (26), Song (25), Saratok (24), Pakan ( 23), Tatau ( 22), Selangau (19), Meradong (17), Bau (15), Lawas (14), Serian (11), Lundu, Mukah and Sri Aman with nine each, Dalat (seven), Samarahan ( six), Julau and Marudi with five each, Lubok Antu and Matu with four each, Asajaya (two) and Simunjan (one).
Adding on, she said currently, there is no dengue hotspot in the state.
Residents are advised to continue spending 10 minutes a week to search and destroy potential Aedes mosquito breeding ground to eradicate the disease.
Receptacles such as unwanted containers and tyres – should be discarded properly so that they will not collect water.
Even the water in vases, potted plants or f lowers placed indoor needs to be changed and the vases or containers to be washed to remove mosquito eggs or larvae.