Koh: Keep it clean to avoid outbreak

NST: The worst of the dengue outbreak in Penang is over.
However, Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon reminded the people not to take things for granted and continue to keep places clean. "Bear in mind that the war against dengue is still on. Let us work together and continue with present efforts to destroy all mosquito breeding grounds.
"If we relax now, there will certainly be a relapse," he told reporters after presenting hampers in conjunction with the forthcoming Deepa- raya celebrations to more than 50 children at the Penang Hospital's pediatric ward today.
Others present were State Health Committee chairman P.K. Subbaiyah and hospital director Dr Zaininah Mohd Zain.
Koh said although he was happy that people were beginning to be more conscious of the dangers of dengue, there were still others who "take things easy".
"Everyone has a role to play. While the authorities ensure cleanliness in open areas, the onus is on the people to ensure the cleanliness of their own homes," he said.
Subbaiyah said there was still one dengue victim warded at the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU).
The 51-year-old salesman is from Jalan Ru, Lebuhraya Thean Teik in Air Itam. "He is in stable condition and his health is improving."
There are a total of 41 suspected dengue patients warded in several government hospitals in the State, with another 51 in private hospitals.