Dengue cases in Klang soar to more than 6,000 this year

DENGUE cases in the Klang municipality have increased by 142% as of Sept 3, compared to the same period last year.

As of this year, there have been 6,272 confirmed cases, with an average of 179 cases per week.

Azmi Muji, the director of Klang Municipal Council (MPK) Health Department, stated that there were 4,400 dengue cases during the same period last year.

“The hot weather combined with intermittent rain creates ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes,” he emphasized.

During his visit, he advised the residents of Apartment Akasia in Bandar Botanic to maintain cleanliness and proper waste disposal.

“Apartment Akasia, with five cases, is one of the two dengue hotspots in Klang,” he mentioned.

“The other hotspot is Taman Perindustrian Pulau Indah, particularly from Jalan Perigi Nenas 8/3 to 8/6, with 30 recorded cases,” he added.

A health inspector checking for Aedes mosquito larvae at Taman Perindustrian Pulau Indah.

An area is considered a hotspot if new cases are identified within 30 days.

Local council health inspectors are conducting home visits to identify and eradicate mosquito-breeding sites in order to control the spread of dengue fever.

Among the 11 areas in the municipality, Sentosa has the highest number of cumulative cases with 1,225, followed by Port Klang (940), Kota Kemuning (868), Pandamaran (568), Meru (601), Bandar Baru Klang (563), Sementa (542), Sungai Kandis (526), Selat Klang (375), Kota Anggerik (38), and Batu Tiga (26).

MPK health inspectors have been visiting both hotspots to provide guidance to residents.

Some residents have been cautioned to remove old buckets from the sides of their homes.

“In industrial areas, Aedes mosquito larvae have been discovered in single-use plastic containers that were irresponsibly dumped near drains,” highlighted Azmi, noting that factory owners have also been warned.

“Residents should devote 10 minutes a week to inspect their homes and surrounding areas to ensure there are no potential Aedes breeding sites.

“In the past, council health inspectors even inspected toilet cisterns and toothbrush holders.

“Now, the team will also check water dispenser trays, car porches, gardens, and back lanes.

“Many people now grow plants in containers, but these containers may hold rainwater, which is ideal for mosquitoes to breed,” he warned.

In recent weeks, the council has also conducted fogging operations to combat the issue.