Dengue epidemic getting critical

Kota Kinabalu: The dengue epidemic has become increasingly critical as the number of cases in the city has increased by 282 per cent.

A total of 398 cases were recorded in Kota Kinabalu for the tenth Epidemiological (Epid) week of 2023 compared to 107 in 2022.

According to Kota Kinabalu Health Office Public Health Officer Dr Pathman Arumugam, 41 outbreaks have been recorded thus far compared to only three during the same period last year.

“No dengue deaths were reported in Kota Kinabalu this year but one death was reported in the same period last year.

“There have been four deaths from dengue fever in Sabah in 2023 until February 2023,” he said in a statement.

Pathman said in order to prevent dengue and control the epidemic from further spreading, the local community needs to spend at least 10 minutes every weekend to seek and destroy containers filled with water that can become potential breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.

“Additionally, the community needs to spray aerosols in the early morning and at dusk to kill the mosquitoes.

“Residents are also advised to seek immediate treatment if a fever lasts more than 24 hours because early treatment will help the health team carry out initial control and subsequent control of the outbreak quickly and effectively,” he said.

Throughout 2022, a total of 71 compounds were issued and only 41 were paid (55.4 per cent).

The compounds are in line with the enforcement of the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act 1975 where containers found to have Aedes larvae will be charged RM500 for each container.

“In dealing with dengue fever outbreaks, the community’s role is very important in ensuring successful and sustainable vector control.

“Vector control requires the application of knowledge about dengue fever among the local community and that dengue prevention measures are taken immediately in the community,” he said.

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