KUCHING: The number of dengue fever cases recorded in Sarawak in the first two months of this year is alarming, especially in Sibu where it is close to epidemic level.
Assistant Minister of Public Health Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, who disclosed this, said a total of 1,360 cases were recorded, far higher than the number of cases during the same period last year, with 45 per cent of this year’s cases recorded in the central zone of the state.
“As of now, dengue fever is in an alarming state because statistics show more than 1,300 cases, which is a huge jump from last year during the same period, with Sibu still a hot spot.
“In fact, dengue cases are still rising this month so we need to put Sibu in high surveillance because Sibu is close approaching the epidemic stage,” he said when met by reporters at the United People’s Party (UPP) Chinese New Year open house at MBKS Hall yesterday.
Dr Jerip, who is also Bengoh assemblyman, added that the cases were from reports from government and private clinics, but no patients were admitted to hospital with no deaths recorded due to the disease.
He also said most efforts would be concentrated in Sibu to curb the rising cases of the disease, and urged members of the public to do weekly cleaning of their premises.
“Also, I want to urge anyone who has symptoms of dengue to get immediate treatment as well as make a report to the Health Department so they can do contact tracing surveillance and see if the mosquitoes will spread to other areas,” Dr Jerip said.
He did not discount the possibility that the cases were rising due to the heavy rain that struck the state recently, causing stagnant water in drains.
“We are currently very alert in Sibu and ensuring that all facilities are there for any situation,” Dr Jerip added.