Health Department raises alarm over dengue outbreak
KUCHING: The public are reminded that combating dengue fever is a joint responsibility, which requires the involvement and cooperation of various agencies and communities.
Sarawak Health director Dr Jamilah Hashim issued this reminder following a dengue outbreak at the project site of the Sarawak Museum Campus & Heritage Trail here.
Construction work at the project site was ordered to be temporarily stopped until tomorrow (Sept 28) by the Sarawak Health Department through Kuching Divisional Health Office for a week from Sept 21 ( last Friday).
The order was issued under Section 8 (3)( a) of the Destruction of Disease- Bearing Insects Act, 1975 (Amendment 2000).
“In fact, individuals or premises owners should also ensure that the environment is always clean and free from Aedes mosquito breeding.
“Therefore, to prevent dengue spread, members of the community are advised to take measures such as clearing potable areas and destroying any objects which potentially breed mosquitoes.
“Apply insecticide (aerosol spray) at your respective residential premises to kill Aedes mosquitoes. If you have fever or symptoms related to dengue, immediately seek medical attention and treatment. Any delay in action may result in fatality,” she cautioned.
She also called on the public to always take dengue fever prevention measures in accordance with guidelines recommended by Ministry of Health Malaysia by visiting the website at www. myhealth.gov.my or www.infosihat.gov. my.
“Sarawak Health Department is always committed and cooperates with all agencies in the effort to control and address any dengue fever outbreak for the well-being of all people in Sarawak,” she assured.
Dr Jamilah further mentioned that the project site was also declared as dengue outbreak area after nine persons from the locality were infected with dengue as of Monday (Sept 24).
The nine persons comprised six workers at the project site and three members of the public working nearby.
“After the outbreak was declared on Sept 9, we conducted checks at the site and found 11 Aedes mosquito breeding spots. Following this offence, five compounds were issued and another six offences are in prosecution process against the project developer.
“However, another check conducted on Sept 20 found out that there were still Aedes mosquito breeding spots at the site. As a consequence, the temporary closure order at the site was issued for a period of seven days effective Sept 21,” she said.
KUCHING: The relevant health authorities including the Vector Borne Disease Control Unit and also local councils should carry out the necessary control measures to deal with reported dengue cases and outbreaks in certain parts of Kuching in order to curb the spread of the disease and minimise human infection.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii stated this following reports that there is a dengue outbreak along the area of Jalan P. Ramlee, where a few victims including workers of the nearby construction site and even shop owners and office workers in the area had been treated for dengue in the past weeks.
“I was on the ground to inspect the area as well and to speak to the office workers in the area. I was informed that some of their colleagues also fell victim to the disease and were treated in the hospital and some were under bed rest at home.
“As such, I urge the relevant authorities to carry out the relevant preventive measures including properly alerting the public in the area to be more vigilant and also ‘gotong royong’ to remove the high number of mosquito breeding spots within the surroundings to ensure that their compound is clean and free from Aedes mosquitoes,” he said in a press statement issued yesterday.
Though he was informed that fogging had been done in the area, he said fogging activities would be more effective and efficient if it is followed by search and destroy activities.
“The aim of fogging is to kill the infected mosquitoes while the search and destroy activities will stop the mosquitoes from breeding.”
He pointed out that there were several schools in the area as well.
I was on the ground to inspect the area as well and to speak to the office workers in the area. I was informed that some of their colleagues also fell victim to the disease and were treated in the hospital and some were under bed rest at home. Dr Kelvin Yii, Bandar Kuching MP
Thus, he hoped that the school principals and headmasters would ensure that there are no Aedes mosquito breeding places in their school compound at all times.
He also reminded owners and tenants of public premises such as eateries, coffee shops, markets and shopping malls in the area to improve the level of cleanliness of their premises to prevent them from becoming breeding places for Aedes mosquitoes which are the source of transmission for dengue fever.
“I also call on members of the public to search and destroy mosquito breeding spots and maintain cleanliness of their residence at all times even though their areas may not be an outbreak area.
“Doing this at least 10 minutes every week can save families and the communities from the threat of dengue fever.”
He said a compound of RM500 can be issued by the authorities to anyone found with Aedes mosquito breeding spots within their premises.
Main breeding places are used tyres, plastic containers, cans, water storage, drums, pails and discarded items or rubbish that can contain water, he added.
“We all play a part and the public must cooperate with the relevant health authorities when dengue control activities are being carried out, including by allowing inspection teams and control teams to enter their premises whenever required.
“Anyone who shows any signs and symptoms of dengue fever are advised to seek medical treatment immediately at a nearby clinic or hospital.”