Tanah Merah folk unclear about hygiene

Star: KOTA BARU: Lack of awareness of personal hygiene and household cleanliness are the main causes of the dengue outbreak in Kelantan, especially in the Tanah Merah area, said state Health Department director Datuk Dr Ahmad Razin Ahmad Mahir.
He was responding to a statement by Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Merican that 87 cases of suspected dengue were reported in the state recently.
Dr Ahmad Razin said public cooperation was vital in fighting mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue.
Among steps advocated is to prevent any stagnant water from accumulating and to ensure households are kept clean at all times.
Local authorities must also be vigilant in clearing up rubbish promptly and to monitor conditions at playgrounds, property development projects and abandoned homes.
Those in the rural areas should ensure there is a steady flow of water in streams and be on the look out for natural water containers like coconut shells which can act as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.