Dengue cases have reportedly been on the rise across the country and attention needs to be given by all parties.
The cumulative number of dengue cases reported from January to July 16 2022 in the city of Ipoh is 266 cases, compared to 101 cases for the same period in 2021.
The Mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin @ Md Daud said that the increase of 163.4 percent (165 cases) was a cause for concern, although there were no deaths in the state of Perak as of July 16 2022 compared to 1 death for the same period last year.
“Therefore, there is no end in the fight against dengue. It is a continuous effort and involves helping the community be aware of their role in reducing the breeding grounds of Aedes mosquitoes,” he said.
He said this while launching the Healthy Environment Campaign 2022: Eradicating Epidemics and Hotspots of Dengue, at Ulu Kinta this morning.
Rumaizi explained that dengue fever is a vector-borne (mosquito) disease that can be fatal and many cases of dengue fever have been reported with people having to be hospitalised due to severe dengue fever.
He said that the citizens of Ipoh are at risk of being infected by the dengue virus through the bite of infected Aedes infective mosquitoes that carry the virus.
“Aedes mosquitoes can breed in areas or containers that hold water and it is closely related to the cleanliness of the home and its surroundings.
“Every community is called to ensure that there is no breeding of Aedes around their houses by checking inside and outside the house for at least 10 minutes every day.
“Activities to check and eliminate the reproduction of Aedes mosquitoes need to be enhanced, especially during the current rainy season,” he said.
By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
