Mayor: Take proactive actions to control dengue outbreak

Kota Kinabalu: The Kota Kinabalu Dengue Outbreak Control Committee initiated by City Hall has called on the public to take proactive actions to control dengue outbreak in the city.Following the rising report of dengue cases, Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir, who is also the committee's Chairman, said their main task is to ensure that the dengue outbreak in the city is under control.

In view of the unpredictable weather and the increasing number of dengue cases that have been reported, Madingkir said proactive actions must be taken by city folks to ensure they do not breed aedes mosquitoes in their homes and surroundings.

Since its formation in December last year, the committee has been meeting on a weekly basis.

It comprises various government and non-governmental agencies, including Kota Kinabalu City Health Officer Dr Mohammad Saffree Jeffree and representatives from the State Health Department, police (Karamunsing), Fire and Rescue Department, Jheains, Federal Department and Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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Issuing a statement after chairing the fourth meeting on Thursday, the Mayor said apart from the weather condition, dirty surroundings have been found to contribute to aedes-breeding grounds.

Discarded polystyrene, bottles, empty cans, used tyres and mounting rubbish, for examples, are perfect aedes-breeding grounds.

Human movement factor also contributes to dengue spread as an infected person can easily transmit the dengue virus to others via aedes mosquitoes and other areas as one is constantly on the move.

As a preventive measure and to control dengue outbreak in the city, the committee called on all government agencies, the private sector, local authorities, local community and individuals to take the following measures:

i. "Spend 10 minutes a week" to clear all rubbish from their house and surroundings, offices and schools, and to destroy all mosquito-breeding grounds by ensuring flower vases, used tyres, water tanks or empty barrel, used food containers, fish tanks, toilets, drains and gutters do not hold stagnant waters that can contribute to mosquitoes breeding.

ii. Reduce outdoor activities in the early morning between 5am and 7am and late afternoon between 5pm and 7pm, which have been identified as mosquito peak biting time.

iii. Wear long sleeves and light-coloured outfits to reduce the chances of mosquito bites.

iv. Get immediate treatment at any nearby health facilities by those experiencing dengue symptoms such as fever, body weakness, muscle pain, pain in the back of the eyes and skin rashes.

v. Apply larvae insecticide (Abate) at potential mosquito-breeding ground, such as toilets, septic tanks, decorative ponds and others.

vi. Give full cooperation to the relevant authority such as the City Hall, Kota Kinabalu Health Department and the police during the dengue control activities.

vii. Carry out 'gotong royong' with emphasis on "Search and Destroy" all mosquito-breeding grounds in their surroundings concentrating on drains, vegetation that can hold or store water and cemeteries that have empty cans, for examples.

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Madingkir said in view of the increasing number of cases and death from dengue reported in the country of late, the committee therefore agreed that the matter should not be taken lightly.

They agreed that concerted efforts and involvement from all parties are needed to control dengue outbreak in the State, particularly in the city.

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