According to state health and unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon, a concerning spike has been observed in dengue cases in Johor. In the sixth epidemiological week, a total of 2,169 dengue cases have been reported throughout the state. This shows a 154% increase compared to the same period of last year’s reported cases, which was 855 cases.
From the reported cases, 812 (37.4%) were reported from epidemic localities and 1,357 (62.6%) from non-epidemic localities. Johor Baru contributed 83.6% of the total number of cases, followed by Kulai (5.6%), Kota Tinggi (3.1%), Batu Pahat (2.4%), Muar (1.7%), Kluang (1.2%), Pontian (1.0%), Tangkak (0.7%), Mersing (0.5%) while Segamat (0.2%).
Officials from the state Health Department are continuing to carry out the destruction of mosquito breeding places inside and outside people’s houses, as stated by the Yong Peng assemblyman, Ling Tian Soon, in a statement on Monday (Feb 12).
Ling also highlighted that many people are still not aware of the need to clean and destroy places at risk for mosquitoes. Enforcement activities carried out have already issued a total of 403 compounds, amounting to RM 188,400, where 81% have paid the compounds.
“Dengue fever cases remain high and require the efforts of the community. Every family is advised always to take care of the environment and check their premises after rain to ensure that there is no stagnant water. They need to clean the house by doing search and destroy activities for 10 minutes at home and work,” he said. This would ensure their houses would not become a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes.
Additionally, Ling stated that the public can also use aerosol sprays to kill mosquitoes apart from wearing long pants or long-sleeved shirts to avoid mosquito bites.
