Aedes breeding in 80pc of project sites

NST: SHAH ALAM: Eighty per cent of construction sites and abandoned projects inspected in Selangor were found to be breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.
State Health director Dr Rosnah Hadis said this was one of the main factors contributing to the high number of dengue cases in the state.
Aedes larvae were found in polystyrene containers left by workers, wheelbarrows and even in puddles of water on the floors of unfinished buildings.
Dr Rosnah said many construction sites, especially in Shah Alam, had been issued compound notices and stop-work orders for ignoring the Health Department's notices.
"Eight out of 10 places inspected were found to be breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes. My strategy now is to target these sites," she told the New Straits Times at an exhibition and talk on dengue prevention organised by the state Health Department with the co-operation of Shah Alam Municipal Council (MBSA) yesterday.
Dr Rosnah said previously, fogging was carried out only at construction and abandoned sites which were near reported cases of dengue.
As of April 12, a total of 4,389 cases of dengue have been reported in Selangor, with areas under MBSA's jurisdiction recording the highest number, at 332 cases.
From April 6 to 12, 326 new cases were reported in the state.
State Health, Estate Workers, Poverty and Caring Government Committee chairman Dr A. Xavier Jayakumar, who was present at the event, said all involved parties should sit together to map new strategies to combat dengue.
Commenting on an NST article yesterday on the lack of funding for dengue research, Dr Xavier said funds should be channelled to the relevant parties for new studies to be undertaken.
"Funding should be increased. Currently, the Institute for Medical Research is carrying out research on dengue and Aedes mosquitoes."
He added that with more funds, manpower could be expanded and there would be more people working on fighting dengue.