Dramatic rise in dengue cases

Star: PETALING JAYA: The number of dengue cases has risen dramatically in the week to July 15, and the Health Ministry is urging the public to take preventive measures.
According to Health Ministry Communicable Disease Control director Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat, dengue cases for the week was 26.8% higher than in the corresponding period last year.
“The highest number of cases, 329, was recorded in Selangor, up from 238 last year, while the Federal Territory had 192 cases, compared with 80 last year,” he said in a statement.
Dr Ramlee said a number of areas showed an increase in cases. They include Bandar Sri Putra, Taman Koperasi Cuepacs, Taman Cuepacs, Seksyen 4 Bandar Baru Bangi, Taman Setapak Jaya, Cheras and the city centre.
“On our part, we have mobilised our health officers and are also receiving help from other states,” he said.
“What we need is for the public to be responsible and to give their assistance to health officers who may visit their homes.”
Dr Ramlee said the public also needed to do more to arrest the dengue problem.
“Breeding grounds in and around the house should be identified and destroyed. Action should also be taken to keep the playgrounds clean and not always leave it to the local council.”
Dr Ramlee added that the public should also share information about neighbours who might have been admitted to hospital for suspected dengue or illegal dumpsites.
On the whole, dengue cases fell. Only 18,484 cases were reported up till July 15 this year, against 21,011 in the corresponding period last year.
There were fewer deaths – 35 this year compared with 54 last year.