Kedah recorded a 143.8% increase in dengue cases this year, with 490 cases compared to 201 cases last year says state health director-general, Dr. Othman Warijo.
So far, one death due to dengue had been recorded in 2022, while the number of outbreaks increased to 55 cases compared to only eight cases for the same period in 2021, he said as reported by The Star.
Photo via the South China Morning Post
“Of the total number of outbreaks reported, three hotspots are under control, eight are still active and the remaining 44 have ended.”
He also mentioned that during the same period this year, a total of 157,399 premises were inspected and 2,887 compounds worth more than RM1.3million were issued under the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act 1975 to the owner of premises for “breeding” Aedes mosquitoes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dengue is the most prevalent viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes with more than 3.9 billion people in over 129 countries at risk of contracting dengue with an estimated 96 million symptomatic cases and an estimated 40,000 deaths every year.
The Aedes mosquito is easily identified by the distinctive black and white stripes on its body.
It breeds in clean, stagnant water that is easily found in your homes. However, you can get rid of the Aedes mosquito by frequently checking and removing stagnant water on your premises.
Please take care and stay safe!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
