The number of dengue cases recently reported in Malaysia has increased drastically and even though this is extremely worrying, most residents are still not taking serious measures to curb the spread of the disease.
As of 23 November 2013, there were 3,388 dengue cases reported compared to 19,444 cases in the same period in 2012. Malaysia recorded 71 deaths by the end of November 2013, compared to only 33 deaths reported within the same period in 2012. Additionally, the number of hotspots nationwide have also increased.
Although the Health Ministry has alerted the public regarding the rising number of dengue cases nationwide just recently, many are still taking the matter for granted.
Some signs and symptoms of a dengue fever include high fever, headache and pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, mild bleeding such as from the nose and gums, and mild bruising. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please visit a clinic or hospital promptly for immediate treatment.
Here is a list of some Aedes breeding grounds that you should be aware of:
Flower vase, water containers, tray under refrigerator, water tank, used tyres, plastic bags, cans or lunch boxes, broken bottles, roof gutter, coconut shells, cocoa pods, banana, bamboo and yam stumps.
The Health Ministry also urges all Malaysians to cooperate and destroy mosquito breeding areas to prevent the disease from spreading. Below are some preventive measures you can take:
1. Collect all containers that can hold water such as cans and bottles, then dispose them at designated places.
2. Cover all water containers, add larvicides according to the recommended dose from the label or change the water and scrub the insides of all water containers once a week.
3. Change the water and scrub the insides of flower vases once a week.
4. Clean plant pot plates and scrub thoroughly to remove Aedes mosquito eggs once a week.
5. Destroy adult Aedes mosquitoes by using aerosol spray.
Don’t wait till it’s too late, dear readers! Do whatever you can to protect yourself and your loved ones around you.
