Increase in dengue fever cases in Melaka - State Assembly told

MELAKA: Melaka reported an increase in the number of dengue fever cases, totalling 2,720 cases, between April 1 and Dec 5 this year, from 2,017 cases during the corresponding period last year, the State Assembly was told today.

State Health and Anti-Drug Committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman said eight deaths due to dengue fever were recorded during the period this year, with four in Melaka Tengah and two each in Jasin and Alor Gajah.

He said the highest number of dengue fever cases was reported in the Bukit Katil constituency, with 305 cases, followed by Ayer Keroh (270 cases) and Paya Rumput (232 cases).

"Besides that, a total of 43 cases of Chikugunya were also registered in the state during the same period this year, involving 39 cases in Melaka Tengah and two cases each in Jasin and Alor Gajah. There was no Zika case reported so far,” he added.

He was responding to a question by Datuk Tey Kok Kiew (DAP-Bandar Hilir) who wanted to know the number of dengue fever cases reported in the respective state constituencies in Melaka since April this year and efforts by the government to overcome the problem..

Rahmad (BN-Ayer Molek) said based on recommendations by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the best way to deal with dengue fever and Chikugunya is through Integrated Vector Management action, or control and prevention action involving all quarters in the community.

"Among the efforts carried out by the state government is the establishment of the a special force committee on dengue, which is chaired by the State Secretary, mobilisation of residents through the leadership of community leaders and the Dengue Free Facilities programme, which involves the young generation and carried out in collaboration with institutions of higher learning,” he added.

He said a total of 145,347 premises have been inspected in the state, with 187 notices and 1,254 compounds issued through integrated operations involving the local government authorities, Malaysian Construction Industry Board (CIDB) and the police.

-- BERNAMA