New strain of dengue worries Pahang

NST: KUANTAN: A possible outbreak of dengue fever has been detected here with at least two dozen cases reported so far this month.
Even worse, it is feared that a new strain could be responsible as most of the patients so far were children.
The authorities have yet to issue a general alert but checks at the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital revealed that preparations had been made for a possible increase in the number of dengue cases.
A health official, who requested anonymity, said several private hospitals here had also recorded a significant number of patients suffering from dengue fever.
"There have been no fatalities reported so far but we fear that the situation may worsen within the next few weeks," he said.
"What we are most worried about is that most of the cases recorded so far involved children, indicating a possible new strain of the disease."
It was learnt that cases of multiple infections in a single household had also been recorded.
Areas where dengue cases were reported over the past three weeks are Taman Cenderawasih Timur, Taman Sri Kuantan, Taman Setali Maju, Indera Mahkota 2 and Jalan Air Putih.
Other identified hotspots include Taman Tas, Sungai Isap and Bukit Sekilau.
The official said the sudden increase of dengue cases was believed to have been caused by the irregular weather pattern which had seen intermittent heavy rain.
"The resulting hot and humid weather, along with trapped clear rain water, is conducive for the breeding of aedes mosquitoes," he said.
Among the precautionary measures are clearing possible aedes breeding grounds and staying indoors during the early mornings and late evenings when the mosquitoes were most active.
The state health authorities were expected to start a massive anti-dengue operation within the next few days.