By Aida Aziz
IPOH: The dengue fever situation in Perak shows a worrying trend with a significant increase, reporting six deaths compared to the previous year.
According to Chairman of the Perak Committee on Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs, and National Integration, A. Sivanesan, dengue cases have increased by 4,410 cases compared to 2,726 last year.
He said the increase was 161.9 percent.
“A total of six deaths from dengue fever have been reported, with five from the Kinta district and one from Manjung district.
“This number of deaths shows a significant increase compared to zero deaths reported for the same period in 2023.
“From June 16 to 22, 2024 (Epidemic Week 25), a total of seven active hotspot locations were identified, with four in Kinta, two in Larut Matang and Selama (LMS), and one in Hulu Perak,” he said in a statement here today.
Sivanesan further stated that the main cause of the dengue outbreaks was high Aedes mosquito breeding grounds in these hotspot areas.
“Breeding sites include abandoned lots, vacant houses, poorly maintained drains, uncovered individual septic tanks, exposed water storage containers inside and outside houses, as well as garbage that can collect water in the surroundings,” he said.
In response, he mentioned that the Perak State Health Department had inspected breeding sites within affected and outbreak areas.
They have also undertaken enforcement activities to break the chain of infection.
“As of June 22, a total of 232,469 premises have been inspected, with 2,508 compound notices issued and 295 cleanup notices under Section 8(1) of the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act 1975.
“District Health Offices, in cooperation with local authorities, have conducted larviciding activities, thermal space spraying, and ultra-low volume spraying in all outbreak-prone and potential outbreak areas in Perak,” he added.
He also advised the public to be more aware of cleanliness in homes and living environments to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
