‘Reduce, eliminate mosquito breeding grounds’

ASAJAYA: Sarawak has recorded 293 cases of dengue fever with 13 cases of outbreak involving 12 localities and seven districts from Jan 1 to July 21 this year, said Sarawak Health director Dr Jamilah Hashim.

She said in comparison, there were 952 cases of dengue with 52 outbreaks involving 49 locations in 22 districts recorded last year in Sarawak.

“The spread of dengue fever is due to weather conditions of high rainfall with high humidity. Stagnant water which collects on empty cans and others become potential mosquito breeding grounds.

“To reduce the spread of dengue, the main strategy is to reduce and eliminate places where mosquitoes can breed,” she said when officiating at state-level Gotong Royong Mega Fight Against Aedes 1.0 2018 organised by the Ministry of Health Malaysia with the Sarawak State Health Department (JKN) and Samarahan Division Health Office at Kampung Tambirat Ulu, Asajaya here yesterday.

Dr Jamilah said the government had undertaken various efforts to control the spread of dengue such as inspection of construction sites to check for mosquito breeding grounds, disposing and clearing waste especially in places where dengue cases and epidemic are recorded.

“However, these efforts will only be able to achieve the goal of preventing dengue if every individual in the community take part in safeguarding and preserving their environment,” she said.

More than 300 villagers and staff from JKN participated in the programme to dispose items which were potential breeding ground for mosquitoes.