Dengue fever cases are currently on the rise in Kedah as it ascended by 143.8 percent this year, to 490 cases as of 11th June, compared to 201 cases during the same period last year, reported by Malay Mail.
According to State Health Director Dr Othman Warijo, so far this year, one person has died as a result of dengue fever, while the number of outbreaks has risen to 55 cases compared to only eight cases at the same time in 2021.
He also added that “three hotspots are under control, eight are still active, and the remaining (44) have ended.”
Under the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Act 1975, 157, 399 premises were investigated and 2, 887 compounds over RM1.3 million were issued to owners of premises for breeding Aedes mosquitos, this year.
To break the cycle of dengue fever infection, Dr Othman Warijo stated that all cases and outbreaks recorded in all areas were subjected to control and conduct preventative activities.
Bernama reported that the State Health Director, highly recommended the public to maintain their surroundings clean, eradicate Aedes Mosquito breeding grounds inside and outside their homes, and seek prompt treatment if they experience fever, severe joint pain, or rashes.
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What is Dengue?
Dengue fever is a viral infection spread to people by infected mosquito bites. “Aedes aegypti” mosquitoes and, to a lesser extent, “Aedes albopictus” mosquitoes are the principal carriers of the disease. The virus that causes dengue fever is known as dengue virus (DENV). There are four DENV serotypes, and you can get infected up to four times. Dengue fever is a disease that can be found in tropical and subtropical climates all over the world, mostly in urban and semi-urban regions.
What are the Symptoms of Dengue?
Symptoms of dengue might appear four to seven days after the infection and can continue up to ten days, it may include high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, severe joint and muscular pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, and mild bleeding (nose bleeding, bleeding gums, or easy bruising).
How Dengue can be Prevented?
To prevent the transmission of the dengue virus and to protect yourself, follow these steps;
- Use mosquito repellents
- Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants to avoid mosquito bites when you are out
- Make sure to clear up stagnant water and keep your surrounding clean at all times.
- Do throw the rubbish into the prepared garbage bin.
- Find and eliminate containers from indoor and outdoor that could potentially be a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes.
- Consider cleaning your surrounding at least once a week.
