BY: Aida Aziz
IPOH: The incidence of dengue fever within the jurisdiction of the Ipoh City Council (MBI) has seen a sharp rise, with 330 cases reported as of January 20th (Epid Week: 3/2024).
Ipoh Mayor, Datuk Rumaizi Baharin, revealed that this increase represents a staggering 407.7% surge compared to the 65 cases reported during the same period last year.
“As of January 28, 2024, three hotspot locations have been identified in Kampung Sri Kinta, Rumah Pangsa Sri Conolly, and Rumah Pangsa Taman Silibin. Additionally, three uncontrolled outbreak locations are reported in Arena Perpaduan Jaya, Taman Lapangan Melodi, and Rumah Pangsa Panorama Lapangan Perdana,” he stated.
Speaking at the January Full Council Meeting on Monday, Rumaizi emphasized the close correlation between fluctuations in dengue cases within the MBI administrative area and weather conditions.
“The alternating and persistent hot, dry, and rainy weather patterns have led to a heightened risk of Aedes mosquito density, contributing to the spread of dengue cases. Furthermore, infective adult mosquitoes and carriers of the virus (individuals infected with dengue) persist in and around the city based on continuous case incidents,” he explained.
Rumaizi added that unauthorized (illicit) gardening activities left unattended and uncleared can also serve as breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, particularly during the rainy season.
This is exacerbated by the presence of neglected gardening equipment such as bottles, plastic items, polystyrene containers, and water storage containers.
