Dengue fever cases still high

Star: PETALING JAYA: The number of dengue fever cases in the country is still at a worrying level and the situation should not be taken lightly, said the Health Ministry's deputy director-general Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat.
“Although the number of cases dropped to 990 last week from about 1,200 the previous week, it is still at a high level,” said Dr Ramlee yesterday.
Last week, three people – two from Kuala Lumpur and one from Johor – died of dengue fever.
This brought the total number of dengue-related deaths to 23.
Dr Ramlee said the drop in the number of cases was due to intensified efforts and more frequent community gotong-royong to help get rid of the mosquito's breeding grounds especially in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor which account for some 30% of total cases.
Of the 990 cases, 357 were in Selangor – the highest number of cases in the country – while 224 were in Kuala Lumpur.
Other states with a high number of cases were Johor (88 cases), Perak (79), Sarawak (45), Kelantan (45) and Pahang (30).
“We have intensified our efforts and there is community involvement but each individual must do their part especially when it rains.
“We need everyone's total commitment. Take a look around your garden and home and make sure that there is no stagnant water around especially in pots, drains and vases,” said Dr Ramlee.
He said fogging was still ongoing and authorities would continue to distribute free larvicide especially to schools and health clinics to reduce breeding grounds.
Dr Ramlee said the number of dengue cases was still high compared to last year over the same period.
“Although we are finally seeing a reduction in cases, it is still on the high side which is also due to heavy rain and floods we experienced recently,” he added.