What is the world’s deadliest killer? Here’s a tip: It’s small and you can identify it by the distinctive black and white stripes on its body.
If you had guessed mosquitoes, bingo! The Aedes mosquito does not discriminate against age, race or gender. To the nuisance creature, you’re merely a 2-legged source of food for her eggs. The dengue fever outbreak continue to raise alarms with 5 dengue hotspots being identified by the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ).
We reported earlier this year that there have been more than 50% jump in the number of deaths caused by dengue in 2015 compared to the year before. MPAJ president Abdul Hamid Hassan stated that there have been numerous reported cases of dengue including 3 deaths in the past 2 months.
“To date, there have been 734 dengue cases here, and MPAJ has already carried out a search and destroy programme around the affected areas and at construction sites, playgrounds and public areas,” said Abdul Hamid.
The 5 areas currently affected are:
- Taman Dagang (Jalan Dagang 1/1-1/11),
- Taman Bukit Segar Jaya (Cemara condominium),
- Taman Ukay Perdana (Sri Puteri apartment),
- Taman Dagang Jaya (Jalan 14-18)
- Pandan Perdana (Pandan Lake View apartment)
Apart from activities such as larviciding, oiling, and using thermal spray, MPAJ has also carried out 22 gotong-royong programmes since January. Preventing dengue is a collective effort but unfortunately, many residents are still not taking serious measures in eradicating the Aedes mosquito breeding cycle.
Health deputy director-general (public health) Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman said the main causes adding to the sharp rise in the disease were poor environmental cleanliness, littering and poor garbage management, The New Straits Times reports.
Early prevention is key. For tips on how to prevent mosquitoes from breeding, go here.
Source: The Malaysian Insider.
