Dengue cases in Johor spike to 2,169, says exco

JOHOR BARU: A total of 2,169 dengue cases have been reported throughout Johor in the sixth epidemiological week, which is a worrying spike, says state health and unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon.

Ling said the figure shows an increase of 154% compared to the same period of last year’s reported cases, which was 855 cases.

He added from the reported cases, a total of 812 cases (37.4%) were reported from epidemic localities and 1357 cases (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%),” he said in a statement here on Monday (Feb 12).

The Yong Peng assemblyman added that state Health Department officials continue to carry out the destruction of mosquito breeding places inside and outside people’s houses.

Ling also said the discovery of mosquito breeding places and places at risk shows that many were still not aware of the need to clean and destroy places at risk for mosquitoes.

He added enforcement activities carried out had already issued a total of 403 compounds totalling up 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, adding that this would ensure their houses would not become a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes.

Ling said the public can also use aerosol sprays to kill mosquitoes apart from wearing long pants or long-sleeved shirts to avoid mosquito bites.