Over 1,500 premises positive aedes breeding ground

SIBU: The Health Department has issued 252 compound notices amounting to RM126,000 under the Destruction of Disease Bearing Insect Act 1975 from Jan 1 till Sept 23, in dealing with the dengue menace.

According to Sarawak Health Department director Dr Jamilah Hashim, from that total, RM48,500 has been collected thus far.

“A total number of 41,887 premises across the state were inspected for potential aedes breeding ground, of which, 1,555 premises were found positive for aedes breeding,” she said in a statement here yesterday.

Adding on, Dr Jamilah revealed that from these inspections, it was found that the common breeding grounds for aedes mosquito were polystyrene food containers, flower pots, plastic containers, tyres, earthen jars, water storage containers, paint containers and discarded canvas.

On dengue cases, she disclosed that a total of 435 cases was registered in Sarawak between Jan 1 and Sept 23, this year.

“There is a decrease of 329 cases (43.1 per cent) compared to the same period last year (764 cases).”

She attributed the decrease to public awareness and cooperation, effective control activities carried out by the Health Department and in certain districts, assisted by local authorities.

She revealed that there was one death due to dengue this year in Sarawak.

In term of cumulative cases (Jan 1 till Sept 23, 2018) by divisions, Kuching had the most cases at 86, followed by Sibu with 77, Samarahan and Betong each had 45, Kapit ( 39), Miri ( 37), Sri Aman ( 27), Sarikei ( 25), Serian ( 23), Bintulu (13), Limbang (10) and Mukah (eight).