By Rosli Mansor
Cases of dengue fever in the administrative area of the Ipoh City Council (MBI) recorded an increase of 538 cases up to last December 17 (Epid Week: 50) with one case of death reported.
The mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin, said the increase was 367 cases which is 214.6 percent compared to 171 cases with one death in the same period last year.
“The following are the localities where dengue fever cases have been reported until December 19, which is an uncontrolled epidemic locality in Bercham flats.
“Five cases are expected to end on January 1 next year, eight outbreak localities are under control in Taman Klebang Jaya (4 Cases) and are expected to end on December 21.
“In addition to Taman Emas Jati (3 Cases), Taman Mengelembu Impiana Adril (3 Cases), Taman Ramai, Taman Tasek Baru, Taman Gelombang, Taman Tasek Indra and Taman Malar. All these localities recorded 2 cases and are expected to end before December 31.” he said.
Rumaizi said this while presiding over the December Full Council Meeting at the MBI Meeting Hall on Thursday.
In the meantime, he said, five cases of chikungunya have been reported in Taman Gelombang and it is expected to end on December 28.
“The aedes study report and inspection by the Perak State Health Department found that unauthorised garden areas and privately owned empty lots that are subject to theft in the nearby area, as well as housing estates, are the main source of breeding grounds for aedes larvae.
“Therefore, all owners of privately owned gardens and empty lots around Ipoh city are requested to ensure regular maintenance so that unauthorised gardens and privately owned lots do not become a breeding ground for aedes larvae,” he added.
He added that until last Monday, MBI’s Vector Control Unit had issued 178 compounds worth RM89,000 under Section 13, Destruction of Disease-Carrying Insects Act 1975, for the offence of breeding or harbouring disease-carrying insects.
He said, dengue fever prevention and control activities from all parties continue to be improved despite the rainy season which is expected to continue.
In addition to the continuous efforts to eradicate dengue, it is hoped to be able to reduce the density of Aedes mosquitoes so that it is at the minimum possible level at all times.
